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

[sriracha john]

Former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra playing golf in Bangkok, April 2006. Thailand's deposed premier has been named the new chief of the Professional Golf Association of Thailand (PGA), according to the organisation's executive.

AFP

[Tony Clifton]

The crook with the hook.

[sriracha john]

What Game Is Thaksin Playing?

HONG KONG - Deposed Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra appears to be changing gears from politics to sports. Or maybe sports is politics by other means.

Thailand’s richest man, who is living in exile in London, on Tuesday reportedly made a preliminary bid to buy the struggling English soccer club Manchester City for 130 million pounds ($259 million). The Independent newspaper said he had promised to spend as much as 50 million pounds ($99.5 million) on signing new players over the summer.

* thaivia thread, "Thaksin Looking To Buy Manchester City For 6 Billion Baht" *:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=117362

On the very same day back home, Thais elected Thaksin to a new office -- president of the Professional Golf Association of Thailand.

His lawyer Noppadon Pattama said Thaksin wanted to return to Thailand for golf meetings.

The military leader who forced Thaksin into exile in a September coup professed to be stunned. Council for National Security chairman Gen. Sonthi Boonyaratkalin said the appointment was ridiculous and advised Thaksin’s golf supporters to seek mental counseling.

Thaksin is a keen golfer, and has been spotted on the links around Asia since his ouster.

He appears not to be an ardent fan of any particular soccer club, having been rumored to be weighing bids for as many as four English clubs three years ago.

Before he was spurned by Liverpool in 2004, he checked over Manchester City, Everton and a club owned by his close friend Mohamed Al Fayed, Fulham.

Thaksin’s initial interest in English soccer was reportedly motivated by the passion of Thais for English Premiership soccer. Owning an English club would have boosted the popularity of the political party he founded, Thai Rak Thai, the reasoning went.

What is driving his current bid is less clear. Owning Manchester City would provide him with a new pastime and certain media publicity. But Manchester City is hardly in the same league as Chelsea, owned by billionaire Roman Abramovich, or Liverpool, which was bought last year by U.S. tycoons George Gillett and Tom Hicks.

Thai newspapers speculated as to how Thaksin had managed to gather sufficient overseas financial resources to finance the purchase while his assets at home are endangered due to charges of tax evasion and money laundering. His wife was recently seeking official approval to send 400 million Thai baht to finance the purchase of a property in England.

Thaksin’s plan to buy Liverpool depended on heavy financing from the Thai government, which would certainly be unavailable under the current circumstances. Financial terms of his bid for Manchester City are sure to be scrutinized closely back at home.

A Thai political leader said Thaksin’s golf and soccer ventures were part of a strategy to steal the political limelight again in Thailand.

"Politicians and golf courses can't be divided. When Thaksin was PM, he made decisions about many projects on the golf course,” Popular Campaign for Democracy secretary-general Suriyasai Katasila told The Nation newspaper. “Either golf or football was linked to a network of politically influential groups," he said.

- Forbes

[John K]

Well lets see, Thaksin could ban all the people who are on his case from playing golf in Thailand. So when they leave the country to go and play golf Thaksin can take over the country just like they did to him.

[sriracha john]

Sporting bids put Thaksin back on Thai centrespot

BANGKOK- Thaksin Shinawatra's bid for English soccer club Manchester City and his election as head of Thailand's golf association are political ploys to keep the ousted and exiled leader in the public eye, analysts say.

The man the military is determined to drive out of politics by proving allegations of "rampant corruption" against him has picked two of the most influential sports in Thailand, they said on Wednesday.

And he has put his name back on the front pages of newspapers.

"Golf is the sport of executives who are now not happy with the way this government is running the country while most Thais are crazy about English soccer," said advertising expert and political campaigner Seri Wongmonta.

"By running both sports, he will have both local and international media exposure," he said. "Thaksin is doing everything he can to take up media space to keep the spotlight on him."

On Tuesday, Thaksin confirmed he had made a takeover proposal to Manchester City after failing in his efforts to buy Liverpool for 65 million pounds ($130 million) three years ago.

The day before, the Thailand Professional Golf Association (TPGA) elected the policeman turned billionaire telecoms tycoon as its president unanimously after other candidates stepped aside.

"Former PM Thaksin has vowed to bring pride and international recognition to Thai professional golfers, whose plight has been ignored for a long time," one-time candidate Torphong Chaiyasarn said.

"So I decided to step out of the race and will be helping him run the association over the next two years," he said.

The army ridiculed the idea of a man running Thai golf from from London, where he has been based since his ouster in a bloodless coup in September while attending the United Nations in New York.

Coup leader General Sonthi Boonyaratglin called the idea "weird" and suggested that Thaksin should consult a psychiatrist.

But a poll by Bangkok's Assumption University last month suggested no one should underestimate Thaksin, twice elected in a landslide on the back of support in the countryside where most of Thailand's 65 million people live.

Thaksin, who has sworn to general disbelief several times he had no intention of returning to politics, was the most "outstanding prime minister who promptly and actively tackled the people's problems", it said.

Assumption chief pollster Noppadon Kannika said he had no doubt about the prime purpose of the two-pronged sports thrust.

"Every move he is taking is leading to one direction -- regaining his political power either for his nominees or for himself," he said.

- Reuters

[sriracha john]

It's Sonthi who needs to see a psychiatrist: Thaksin's lawyer

Allies of Thaksin Shinawatra said yesterday the Army chief would have to be insane to suggest there was no democracy behind the ousted prime minister's election to a leading golf position.

Jatuporn Prompan, a founder of PTV and former Thai Rak Thai deputy spokesman, accused CNS chairman Gen Sonthi Boonyaratglin of failing to understand democracy after the Professional Golf Association of Thailand chose Thaksin as its president. *Weren't these PTV guys just recently trying to distance themselves from Thaksin and TRT and that they had no connection or funding from him? And now, they're the first to jump to his defend him in some diatribe rant*

"If the Council for National Security chairman believes that these golfers are mad, then he's [mad] too because golf is the favourite sport of people around the world, not just in Thailand," he said. *what kind of distorted logic is that?*

On Monday, Sonthi commented that the state might have to get a psychiatrist to help Thaksin and the PGAT members who elected him.

Jatuporn said Thaksin became the association's president through an election, not by seizing power, which Sonthi should concede.

"He should not be overly concerned, otherwise he will get all tense again," Jatuporn said.

Noppadon Pattama, Thaksin's legal adviser, said the PGAT members had the right to choose anyone to be their president. That was the democratic way, so neither the government nor the CNS should criticise or interfere.

The veteran lawyer suggested the junta chief talk to a psychiatrist.

He said Thaksin had already accepted the position to further distance himself from politics, and would do other things related to sport and social matters.

Even though Thaksin was abroad he could communicate with PGAT members via electronic media, Noppadon said. The deposed premier could even return to the country to attend PGAT board meetings, should there be important agenda items.

"He is a Thai so he can return to the country when he wants, however, his return will be guided by the situation in the country."

- The Nation

[chuchok]

It's Sonthi who needs to see a psychiatrist: Thaksin's lawyer

On Monday, Sonthi commented that the state might have to get a psychiatrist to help Thaksin and the PGAT members who elected him.

It's stupid comments like this that make people wonder why they ever got rid of Thaksin.

[John K]

It's Sonthi who needs to see a psychiatrist: Thaksin's lawyer

On Monday, Sonthi commented that the state might have to get a psychiatrist to help Thaksin and the PGAT members who elected him.

It's stupid comments like this that make people wonder why they ever got rid of Thaksin.

So now the question is how much did Thaksin pay to get elected? That the definition of a fair democratic Thaksin election is it not???

I can’t even imagine where this dance with the devil will lead for the PGA. Apparently lack of respect is the first casualty.

[chuchok]

It's Sonthi who needs to see a psychiatrist: Thaksin's lawyer

On Monday, Sonthi commented that the state might have to get a psychiatrist to help Thaksin and the PGAT members who elected him.

It's stupid comments like this that make people wonder why they ever got rid of Thaksin.

So now the question is how much did Thaksin pay to get elected? That the definition of a fair democratic Thaksin election is it not???

I can’t even imagine where this dance with the devil will lead for the PGA. Apparently lack of respect is the first casualty.

How much does anybody here pay to get elected?

[sriracha john]

It's Sonthi who needs to see a psychiatrist: Thaksin's lawyer

On Monday, Sonthi commented that the state might have to get a psychiatrist to help Thaksin and the PGAT members who elected him.

It's stupid comments like this that make people wonder why they ever got rid of Thaksin.

Sonthi's view seems to be shared by the professionals as well :

Chief of the Mental Health Department Somchai Jakraphan said Mr Thaksin's acceptance of the post was a mental act and that Mr Thaksin should get help from a psychiatrist. Mr Thaksin is in London. As a psychaitrist, Dr Somchai viewed that Mr Thaksin was playing a game with three things at stake - politics, family and assets. "What Mr Thaksin might be worrying about the most is his family," he said. "So he tries to find a way to come back and take care of his family."

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=118501

Edited May 3, 2007 by sriracha john

[John K]

Thaksin ends PR contract amid flak

Deposed prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra has terminated his association with United States-based public relations company Edelman.

The move is a bid to end allegations he hired the company to lobby Washington to place Thailand on a list of copyright violators, his lawyer said yesterday.

Noppadon Pattama denied Thaksin hired Edelman to generate publicity against Thailand and that the company was behind the downgrade of Thailand's trade status with the US.

"To prevent further misunderstanding, Thaksin cancelled his contract with Edelman," he said.

Noppadon blamed Democrat Party executive Korbsak Sabha-vasu for spreading the accusations about Thaksin and the powerful lobbyist.

"After Korbsak brought the subject to public attention he defamed Thaksin by accusing him of being behind the downgrade of the country's status," he said.

Noppadon said Thaksin hired Edelman to defend himself in

the foreign news media against allegations made following the September 19 coup.

Noppadon arranged for Thaksin to speak with several international news media organisations, including CNN and Time magazine, he said.

Korbsak in February called on the US to clarify its position on Thaksin after the ousted prime minister hired another lobbyist - in which former secretary of state James Baker III is a senior partner - to monitor Washington's policy towards the military-backed government.

Its registration on the US Senate website confirms Thaksin hired Baker Botts LLP on December 11, 2006. Baker was the US secretary of state during the George Bush snr administration.

Baker Botts was hired to help "develop and implement a strategic approach to the various international legal and political issues that confront Thaksin as a result of the coup of September 19".

Noppadon said Thaksin would unconditionally return to Thailand to fight charges against him.

Thaksin is willing to return without the Assets Examination Committee issuing a warrant or seeking extradition, Noppadon said. "Thaksin wants to come back and take a rest in Thailand," he said.

Source The Nation.

It would seem things are falling apart and he needs to be here in person to properly quit politics.

[Tony Clifton]

I wouldn't be surprised of the opposite, them canceling the contract on him. 180 spin.

Edited May 6, 2007 by Tony Clifton

[John K]

I wouldn't be surprised of the opposite, them canceling the contract on him. 180 spin.

Good point, Thaksin did give them a big negative hit on credibility.

[John K]

Commentary: So far but so close

By Veera Prateepchaikul

Deputy Editor-in-Chief, Post Publishing Co Ltd.

Mr Thaksin has made sure that he will not be forgotten, that he is not a spent force and that he remains a beacon of hope for his desperate supporters.

___________________________

So close and yet so far. That is a popular phrase, well known to most of us.

But exiled former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra has been trying to convince us that it is wrong.

Instead, the opposite is true - so far and yet so close.

A continent away, whether in England where he has permanent residence and a mansion, or off elsewhere on brief visits (which he happens to take quite often), Mr Thaksin has always made his Thai compatriots, especially his millions of loyal supporters, feel that he is just a stone's throw away and still kicking. Through all the media gimmicks occasionally churned out by his expensive propaganda machine or by his lawyer back home in Thailand, Mr Thaksin has made sure that he will not be forgotten, that he is not a spent force and that he remains a beacon of hope for his desperate supporters.

The globe-trotting ex-premier understands the weakness of the Thai media - that most of them are inclined to grab any news item related to him, no matter whether it turns out to be a hoax, rather than risk the embarrassment of missing a hot news item.

Thus, his every movement reported in the foreign media and every news report manufactured by his propaganda machine and released through various channels has been energetically swallowed up with no questions asked by the local media.

The front-page news about his failed bid to buy Liverpool soccer club with taxpayer money back in 2004 and subsequently Fulham soccer club are now believed to be just carefully-plotted hoaxes to divert public attention from the scandals surrounding him and his cronies at the time.

Recently, a report, which originally emerged in a British tabloid, The Sun, and subsequently picked up by most local newspapers, said Mr Thaksin was trying to buy yet another English Premiership football club, Manchester City, with an investment of about US$200 million. Whether this is credible or another hoax is anyone's guess? Not even Mr Thaksin's lawyer, Noppadol Pattama, can confirm or deny the story, while the ex-premier himself has remained mum all along.

But Chart Thai party leader Banharn Silpa-archa is probably right when he said last week that Mr Thaksin's reported venture to gobble up Manchester City football club was nonsense.

"That 7-8 billion baht will be spent to buy a football club is a joke, totally baseless. If I have seven billion baht, I would not buy it. And what for, for a club which is running in the red?" Mr Banharn was quoted as saying. The Chart Thai leader believes the news report was a hoax designed to divert public attention.

However, Somchai Chakrabhand, director-general of the Mental Health Department, has a different, far more interesting theory.

As a trained psychiatrist, he said the reported purchase of Manchester City football club and another report that Mr Thaksin was appointed president of the Thai Professional Golf Association were not a joke. Dr Somchai said they are part of the deposed premier's game plan to stage a comeback to defend his family because he is a family man.

Whether the latest football club purchase plan is a hoax, a joke or a true story, let us try to answer this question first: Would you believe a man who tried every imaginable trick to create a front company in the British Virgin Islands to avoid paying taxes on the sale of his telecom empire would be so naive to spend something more than the amount saved from the taxman on a soccer club which is hopeless, indebted and has little future? Remember, Mr Thaksin is a businessman by instinct, not a philanthropist nor a great football fan.

With escalating political jitters as judgement day for the Thai Rak Thai and Democrat parties draws near, coupled with growing protests against the government, the Council for National Security and the draft constitution, we can expect to witness more hoaxes from Mr Thaksin's propaganda machine. The timing is just about right for a propaganda offensive.

[John K]

London protestors paid, claims anti-Thaksin campaigner

Anti-Thaksin campaigner Ekkayuth Anchanbutr claimed on Monday that anti-coup protesters in London were paid Bt3,490 each last week.

"Most protesters were not Thais but illegal migrant workers who got paid for the publicity stunt staged by Thaksin's supporters," he said.

Ekkayuth did not explain the financial source for the last week's demonstration.

He said most Thai students and expats stayed away from the rally. He also criticised the government for failing to seize Thaksin's assets even though seven months had passed since the coup.

"The failure to seize his assets has allowed Thaksin to continuously mount counter attacks against the government by spreading his money around," he said.

He said he had informed junta member General Saprang Kalayanamitr, and Auditor General Khunying Jaruvan Maintaka, that he was willing to pay his own expenses in tracking down Thaksin's assets.

He called on the government to invoke tax and money laundering laws to impound the illgotten gains.

"Without the freeze on his wealth, Thaksin appears sympathetic in the eyes of foreigners as a former government leader dethroned by the coup," he said.

If Thaksin continues to receiving lenient treatment, authorities will have a more difficult time to prosecute him because his rising number of supporters will try to act as his shield, he said.

Before Ekkayuth made his remarks, two advocacy groups in the Northeast issued a joint statement on Sunday calling for the immediate dismissal of Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont, who appears reluctant to punish Thaksin.

The two groups, the Isaan People's Network and the Korat People's Alliance, attacked Surayud for lack of achievements and for his unwillingness to root out Thaksin's graft violations.

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

Adelman spin the latest attack in the 'war from outside'

Kenneth L Adelman has emerged almost out of nowhere to establish himself as the number one enemy of the Kingdom of Thailand.

He has set up a website, www.usaforinnovation.org, to defend US intellectual-property rights. If you visit the website, you'll find all the wonderful things he has to say about Thailand, from the country's alleged violation of US intellectual-property rights to his campaign against the Thai military regime.

Adelman urges readers to sign a prepared letter addressed to US President George W Bush to protest what he calls the "attack on American jobs".

"The removal of election provisions, the threatened kidnapping of American tourists, the abrogation of American assets and the latest compulsory licenses of American medical innovations are proof that Thailand's government is going in the wrong direction," read the letter.

He also urged those visiting his site to call upon the US ambassador to Thailand and tell him to "stop the Thai theft and censorship of American innovation".

This kind of stuff makes you raise your eyebrows. Has anybody heard about a Thai threat to kidnap American tourists? You need to phone the Tourism Authority of Thailand to ask about the existence of a covert operation to kidnap American tourists in exchange for free US medical innovations. Then you also have to ask Krirk-krai Jirapaet, the Thai commerce minister, about his dark plot to abrogate American assets through his attempt to pass amendments to the Foreign Business Act.

You have to pinch yourself to make sure that you're not watching "Spiderman 3".

So who is Kenneth L Adelman? He is the executive director for USA for Innovation. He currently serves as a member of the Defence Policy Board. Under president Reagan, he was director of the US Arms Control and Disarmament Agency from 1983 to 1987. He served as deputy US representative to the United Nations in the early 1980s, and as assistant to former defence secretary Donald Rumsfeld from 1976 to 1977.

Since his background has been in the field of defence, with close ties to hardcore American conservatives, you must wonder why he dislikes the Thai military regime so much. Don't they belong to the same species - more power and higher military budgets?

But wait a minute, his bio says that he is senior counsellor at Edelman Public Relations. Do you know why now?

Thaksin Shinawatra, the ousted prime minister, hired Edelman Public Relations to represent him and to help prop up his international image. The Nation earlier reported that he signed a public-relations contract with Edelman in a deal worth US$300,000 (Bt10.3 million).

Edelman Public Relations was responsible for most of Thaksin's media exposure with CNN, Time magazine, The Wall Street Journal and the like earlier this year when he launched a PR blitz to boost his international image.

When Edelman wrote an article to attack Thailand in the Washington Times earlier this month, charging that the country was on the verge of becoming another Burmese-style regime, Korbsak Sabhavasu, a senior member of the Democrat Party, came out to expose the sinister link. He charged that Thaksin was behind the campaign to tarnish the image of the Thai government at a time when Thailand was having problems with the US over trade issues, particularly patent coverage of US pharmaceutical products.

Afterward, on Sunday, Noppadol Pattama, Thaksin's lawyer, came out to reveal that Thaksin had decided to terminate his contract with Edelman.

But a US official told me that USA for Innovation's campaign has nothing to do with the US government. "It is just a private warning group [that represents US pharmaceutical companies]," she said. She did not believe that Thaksin was behind USA for Innovation's campaign.

That's fine. On second thought, you may not want to link the ousted prime minister with every attack against Thailand from abroad as that might not be fair to him.

However, since the beginning of this year US for Innovation has been issuing a series of press releases to denounce Thailand's stance on intellectual-property rights. It has also launched ThaiMyth.com to publicise the alleged deceit of the Thai Public Health Ministry's policy on patent protection.

Eventually, Thailand had to pay the price, as the US government finally downgraded its trade relations with Thailand by placing the Kingdom on its Priority Watch-List. In doing so, the US cited its concerns over Thailand's lack of progress on intellectual-property rights protection, as well as the impending amendment of the Foreign Business Act, the impending introduction of the Retail Business Act, the capital control measures [to limit speculation on the baht] and the compulsory licensing of US pharmaceutical products.

If you read between the lines, the downgrade of Thailand's trade status has more to do with the Thai Public Health Ministry's move to enforce compulsory licensing on drugs to deal with Aids. By the way, former US President Bill Clinton applauded Thailand's stance on compulsory licensing on drugs to treat Aids.

However, I am not defending the Thai Public Health Ministry's position on compulsory licensing nor do I try to protect the poor track record of the military regime. Those issues would require more space than afforded by this small column.

But at the moment, the campaign against Thailand, which is coming from overseas, is harsher than the country's sins. We have not only faced a war in the South and the spectre of civil war arising from political turmoil, but we have also faced a larger battle from the outside.

We are at loss over how to deal with YouTube, the US drug firm Abbott, or a dubious organisation like the USA for Innovation. We are very innocent in the New World Order, which calls for us to embrace free trade and to open up our country without any restrictions. It also tells us to abide strictly to protect intellectual and patent properties.

The outsiders set the rules - freedom of expression by YouTube, free trade by the US, high drug costs by pharmaceutical companies - we only have to follow.

Increasingly, we'll face more and more people like Ken Edelman, who has hardly ever set foot in Thailand, but who is willing to crush us to the ground with his black heart.

- The Nation

[John K]

Thaksin still eyes return to politics, TRT golf man says

Ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra is still thinking about returning to politics despite consistent statements that he has quit forever, a Thai Rak Thai party member said Tuesday.

Torpong Chiyasarn, who is also secretary-general of the Professional Golf Association of Thailand (PGAT), said he had spoken on the phone with Thaksin about the presidency of PGAT, a position the former premier won last month.

But at the end of conversation Thaksin talked about his political future, Torpong said.

"I have to stay longer in foreign countries for the unity of the nation. My patience is wearing thin. Don't pressure me too much," Torpong quoted Thaksin as saying.

The Nation

[sriracha john]

Thaksin still eyes return to politics, TRT golf man says

Ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra is still thinking about returning to politics despite consistent statements that he has quit forever, a Thai Rak Thai party member said Tuesday.

Torpong Chiyasarn, who is also secretary-general of the Professional Golf Association of Thailand (PGAT), said he had spoken on the phone with Thaksin about the presidency of PGAT, a position the former premier won last month.

But at the end of conversation Thaksin talked about his political future, Torpong said.

"I have to stay longer in foreign countries for the unity of the nation. My patience is wearing thin. Don't pressure me too much," Torpong quoted Thaksin as saying.

The Nation

[sriracha john]

Expanded article from above:

Thaksin's political ambitions 'still alive'

TRT member's claim arising from golf meeting denied by lawyer

Ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra is still thinking about returning to politics despite consistent statements that he has quit forever, a Thai Rak Thai Party member said yesterday.

Torpong Chiyasarn, who is also secretary-general of the Professional Golf Association of Thailand (PGAT), said he had spoken on the phone with Thaksin about the presidency of PGAT, a position the former premier won last month.

But at the end of the conversation, Thaksin talked about his political future, Torpong said.

"I have to stay longer in foreign countries for the unity of the nation. My patience is wearing thin. Don't pressure me too much," Torpong quoted Thaksin as saying.

Thaksin told him that while the political atmosphere in Thailand was still unclear, he would support both football and golf. Thaksin is on the verge of buying Manchester City football club in England.

The former PM reportedly said there was no problem working as PGAT president while he remained abroad.

The association's executive board will have its first meeting today. Torpong said the board would consider how to conduct future meetings in the president's absence. "We may have a teleconference or we will fly to meet with Thaksin wherever he is," Torpong said.

However, Thaksin's legal adviser Noppadon Pattama insisted that Thaksin had absolutely quit politics, saying Torpong might have misquoted or misunderstood his comments.

"What I say or Thaksin says via his video clips are the former premier's opinions. Torpong can speak on behalf of Thaksin only on golf issues," he said.

- The Nation

[sriracha john]

Noppadon says Thaksin will quit politics

Noppadon Pattama, legal adviser of ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra, countered statements claimed by a TRT party member Torpong Chaiyasarn that Mr Thaksin was thinking about returning politics. Mr Torpong, also secretary-general of the Professional Golf Association of Thailand (Pgat), quoted Mr Thaksin as saying, "I have to stay longer in foreign countries for the unity of the nation. My patience is wearing thin. Don't pressure me too much." He said he had spoken on the phone with Mr Thaksin about the presidency of Pgat, a position the deposed premier won last month. Mr Noppadon said Mr Thaksin's standpoint is still the same -- that he has quit politics and has no intention to return. He doubted whether Mr Torpong misunderstood something. "Mr Thaksin would like to quit politics," Mr Noppadon told reporters. "But when he says he will return, that will most likely mean that he want to come back to fight for justice on charges against him. And no one can stop him from coming."

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=118773

[younghusband]

Reality check follows:

History is littered with politicians who called it quits on high office, in many cases quite believing it at the time, who for one reason or another changed their minds.Circumstances change and what is said today may not apply in say five years time.That's not dishonesty.Think of Churchill, de Gaulle, Nixon to name just a few.My point is that if Thaksin is to be banned from politics for ever, a formal and legally binding restraint is needed, although the practicalities are rather daunting.Otherwise I don't really see much stopping him changing his mind down the line.

Of course the ideal way to block him is to encourage a properly functioning and participatory democracy in Thailand, free of cronyism.Over to you Khun Abhisit.Floreat Etona.

[sriracha john]

same, same

[Jai Dee]

Chart Thai Party leader believes inflammatory comments made by Mr. Thaksin are due to homesickness

The leader of the Chart Thai Party believes that inflammatory comments made by Mr. Thaksin Shinawatra on his website are only the words of a homesick man.

Chart Thai Party Leader Banharn Silapa-archa (บรรหาร ศิลปอาชา) believes that rumors of the outcome of the Constitution Court's verdict on political party dissolutions on May 30th remain unconfirmed and only the court is aware of the outcome. Mr. Banharn said that reports by the Shinawatra family attorney, Mr. Nopadol Patama (นพดล ปัทมะ ), that Mr. Thaksin would need to return to Thailand to argue his case before the court, would be decided by the court.

The Chart Thai Party Leader said that Mr. Thakin's comments on his website, which state that the nation may be fragmented if pressured by so many influences, may only be the words of an old man who is homesick due to his long absence from Thailand. Mr. Banharn said no conclusions can be made on whether Mr. Thaksin will resume his political career when he returns, though the possibility exists due to Mr. Thakin's remaining supporters.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 17 May 2007

[sriracha john]

Chart Thai Party leader believes inflammatory comments made by Mr. Thaksin are due to homesickness

The leader of the Chart Thai Party believes that inflammatory comments made by Mr. Thaksin Shinawatra on his website are only the words of a homesick man.

More words from the homesick man... but not on his website... this time, on radio for the masses:

Thaksin gives live radio interview

Ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra called on an early election in the live radio interview broadcasted in Thailand on Thursday morning, saying he believed people would not tolerate a late one. The interview was made through a community radio. And it was the first time Mr Thaksin gave an interview to the Thai media since the September 19 coup. He told the Council for National Security and the government that they needed not be worried about him. He thanked his supporters and gave them encouragement to go through the problems they faced. The ousted premier mentioned buying Manchester City league but denied to give details. He only said it will benefit Thailand if he purchases the league without clarifying how.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=118794

[Jai Dee]

Ousted PM calls Bangkok radio show

Deposed premier Thaksin Shinawatra made a latest political move by calling and giving an interview in a Thai radio talk show on Wednesday night. The radio host claimed he did not know in advance.

Thaksin, who has lived in exile since a coup overthrew his government last September, called "Confidante" community radio station, which is broadcast across Bangkok, AFP reported.

He spoke to listeners for about 15 minutes, announcer Chupong Theethuan said, in an apparent attempt to make contact with supporters in the kingdom.

"I was shocked and speechless when I realised that the person on the other line was him," Chupong said.

"He urged quick elections and said the government does not have to worry about him as he will not travel near this region again," he said.

Thaksin expressed concern over the scaling down of government scholarships, Chupong said, and urged "children who are suffering" to contact his foundation.

He also enquired after people's well being after a 6.1-magnitude earthquake in Laos was felt in Bangkok and northern Thailand on Wednesday, Chupong told AFP.

"I told him that we miss him. The (earthquake) reminded me of the tsunami, and he was very quick to respond to the disaster," he said.

"Confidante" radio station is located in Nonthaburi province on the outskirts of Bangkok and was set up in December last year. It has since been a vocal critic of the junta which overthrew Thaksin.

The junta imposed a variety of censorship orders after it seized power, and in January this year issued a specific warning that it would shut down broadcasters who carried statements by Thaksin.

This is the first time Thaksin has successfully contacted media based in Thailand, although he has regularly been posting video messages to supporters on his website.

Source: The Nation - 17 May 2007

[Mid]

The junta imposed a variety of censorship orders after it seized power, and in January this year issued a specific warning that it would shut down broadcasters who carried statements by Thaksin.

bluff or not ,

it's just been called ......................................

[Plus]

That was a bit sneaky, wasn't it? Calling an anti-junta community station while no one was watching (listening) like some sort of a folk hero.

What about his official announcement to quit politics? Does anyone still believe in that?

[younghusband]

That was a bit sneaky, wasn't it? Calling an anti-junta community station while no one was watching (listening) like some sort of a folk hero.

What about his official announcement to quit politics? Does anyone still believe in that?

It's ridiculous defensiveness like this that will make him into a folk hero.His reported comments were anodyne and non-political.Best tactic for his opponents is just to ignore him.

[Jai Dee]

Gen Surayud said he is not worried about Dr Thaksin's activities

Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont is confident the ex-PM Thaksin Shinnawatra’s movements will not affect his administrative stability.

The deposed PM gave an interview via a Thai radio talk show on Wednesday night, saying that he has been in touch with his peers. In response to the ousted PM’s interview, the premier believes the ex-PM’s movement cannot cause confusion among people.

The premier remarks people have enough discretion to consider the ex-PM’s movements and words. He also affirms it is not necessary for him to request Mr. Thaksin to halt his actions.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 17 May 2007

[younghusband]

Gen Surayud said he is not worried about Dr Thaksin's activities

Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont is confident the ex-PM Thaksin Shinnawatra’s movements will not affect his administrative stability.

The deposed PM gave an interview via a Thai radio talk show on Wednesday night, saying that he has been in touch with his peers. In response to the ousted PM’s interview, the premier believes the ex-PM’s movement cannot cause confusion among people.

The premier remarks people have enough discretion to consider the ex-PM’s movements and words. He also affirms it is not necessary for him to request Mr. Thaksin to halt his actions.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 17 May 2007

Good for General Surayud whom I am getting to respect a great deal.He displays excellent common sense and has a sense of proportion.Others (no names no pack drill) could learn from him.