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

[slimdog]

After Thaksin calls, officials drop by

The military junta and the Public Relations Department on Thursday inspected the Confidante community radio station hours after ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra called to talk to listeners on-air. The station then went silent.

Council for National Security chairman Sonthi Boonyaratkalin said that he assigned the Internal Security Operations Command (Isoc) to find more information on the radio station and report to the CNS.In the broadcast, which was repeated by the Confidante station just before it went off the air, Mr Thaksin called for an early election, and said people would not tolerate any delays in the election, points he has made in previous interviews overseas.

Bavorn Techa-in, chief of the National Broadcasting Commission which is under the government's PRD, said he was assigned to inspect the station, which is in the northern Bangkok suburbs in Nonthaburi province.

Mr Bavorn said the station had been set up unlawfully. He denied, however, that there was any order to shut down the station. Mr Bavorn may have been economical with the truth. Other media reports quoted the chief of the PRD as saying he had issued an order to close down the radio station.

Either way, Confidante radio stops airing its program on Thursday afternoon. One report quoted staff as telling the PRD inspectors that broadcasting equipment was broken, and they had to send it out for repairs on Thursday morning. The inspectors seized a tape recording of the 15-minute call and talk by Mr Thaksin, who phoned the station from London late on Wednesday

Full story: http://www.bangkokpost.net/topstories/tops...s.php?id=118801

[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?

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.

True about becoming a folk hero - a few clever escapes here and there and the legend is born. What could be sweeter for Thaksin than the clever folk hero status.

"Mr Thaksin called for an early election, and said people would not tolerate any delays in the election" - I don't see this call for elections as apolitical, do you?

He might just as well tell them bedtime stories, btw, he wants to keep people's attention, he WILL get political at the earliest opportunity, I have absolutely no doubt about that.

[Mid]

Either way, Confidante radio stops airing its program on Thursday afternoon. One report quoted staff as telling the PRD inspectors that broadcasting equipment was broken, and they had to send it out for repairs on Thursday morning.

couldn't lie straight in bed ............................

equipment broken in the am but broadcasts didn't cease till pm ????

[blaze]

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.

General Surayud may well be more concerned with enemies much closer to home- if the statement in today's Nation linking the Assembly of Issan People to ISOC is true. (This is the anti-Sarayuth group that recently 'duped' Gen Sonthi into not only meeting with them but having his picture taken with them). Now with ISOC's ex commander- the infamous Gen Pallop- reassigned to ISOC as "Public Relations Manager' at the junta's request- Sarayuth may see Thaksin's shenanigans as relatively benign.

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/05/17...cs_30034401.php

[sriracha john]

Thaksin's stealth move springs unpleasant surprise

By now we should understand why Thaksin Shinawatra has been saying time and again that he is quitting politics.

Repeating the message to those who doubt his intentions is a means to keep himself in the news while planning his next moves.

Using cleverness, cunning, or whatever one wants to call his unique quality, Thaksin has managed, despite his status of politician in forced exile, to find ways to keep his foes on their toes, ever wary about sinister plots.

It is also a way for him to get even and eventually open up possibilities for a final settling of scores in his political vendetta.

Thaksin's moaning and seeking of sympathetic ears are a subtle ruse to fool those na๏ve enough to believe he means what he says. Being a man of his word has never been among his prime qualities, either in public speeches or election promises.

He has been successful to a certain extent in making some people believe he has lost the will to regain political power. Such an attempt might be difficult right now, but if there is any way for him to put his adversaries in any kind of trouble, he has no second thoughts on pursuing such a course.

After roaming the world's cities to make news through a wide range of activities such as golfing, seminars and shopping, and getting the junta leaders' adrenaline surging as a result, Thaksin has now managed to tells his tales of woe on local community radio stations through networks of his admirers. He spoke about his difficulties and the plight of his family members as a result of investigations that led to criminal proceedings for stock shenanigans and dodging income tax.

Police and officials of the Public Relations Department raided two radio stations but found no transmission equipment, which the operators claimed had been sent for repairs.

Through telling his hard-luck stories Thaksin has effectively put a number of people out of work and taken radio programmes off the air, probably permanently. (They might have been amply compensated financially for their unquestionable loyalty and potential legal troubles.)

Thaksin may have got satisfaction from making the junta leaders jumpy, but the consequences he has to face from now on could be overwhelming, as cases involving corruption and other irregularities in office are readied for court proceedings.

Another ploy in his battle to keep the public aware of his moves is the constant feeding of news about his plans to buy a British football club. This time around it is his reported attempt to buy Manchester City through an investment for a price in the range of ฃ100 million (Bt6.5 billion).

This is a sharp comedown from his first target, Liverpool, which gave him maximum PR mileage during his final year in office before a military coup ousted him on September 19 last year.

The bid for a British football club is seen as a plan to get the Thai public to follow his moves on the international scene, though earlier attempts to do so by hiring US lobbyist and PR firms had a negative impact when Thailand was put on the US government's priority-watch list over trade issues.

The junta and Thaksin's critics no longer view him as a harmless politician in exile, especially now that he has experienced how much his immense wealth can do to give his foes political difficulties and image problems.

Thaksin's money was regarded as the main factor behind the "undercurrent" moves by his admirers, who made it clear that they want him back to settle the scores with those who engineered his downfall. Apart from fighting long legal battles, Thaksin still hopes to return home to regain power, despite his claim that he no longer has political ambitions.

Judging from previous promises and actions, Thaksin's words have to be heavily discounted or totally disregarded, unless he proves beyond any doubt that he is really quitting politics for good. But his fate still hangs in the balance regarding protracted legal troubles.

Thais are speculating on all sorts political scenarios arising from the May 30 verdicts of the Constitution Tribunal that could lead to the dissolution of both the Thai Rak Thai and Democrat parties. If the verdict is negative for Thai Rak Thai, it remains to be seen whether its members in rural areas can be aroused or instigated to stage raucous protests and street demonstrations.

It appears that the stage has now been set for a showdown, though it is not yet known who the combatants will be. The situation overall is tense, with jitters over current political troubles.

Whether the worries are misplaced or signs of a new crisis should be known not long after the tribunal's verdicts.

- Sopon Onkgara, The Nation - Editorial

[sriracha john]

Ex-Thai PM Thaksin to visit Japan university

Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra will soon be named a visiting professor at a Tokyo university to give a lecture to students in early July, the school said on Friday.

Thaksin, who has not returned to Thailand since a bloodless military coup in September, will teach a 90-minute course called "Industry and People" at Takushoku University on July 5, the university's spokesman said.

Japanese media said the billionaire telecoms tycoon would speak about Asian business models. Thaksin will hold a news conference at the university on June 7 on the appointment.

The spokesman said it was undecided whether Thaksin would teach more than once at the school, with some visiting professors teaching only once and others teaching one class per year or more.

The former Thai prime minister, who lives in exile in London, last visited Japan in January.

Despite repeated announcements that he would not return to politics, Thaksin has continued to make headlines, including a recent bid to take over English soccer club Manchester City.

He told CNN earlier this year that he did not want to return to Thailand to cause unrest in the country, but was willing to go back to defend himself on corruption charges.

- Reuters

[sriracha john]

Thaksin 'has quit politics'

Thai Rak Thai acting party leader Chaturon Chaisang said yesterday that former prime minister and Thai Rak Thai leader Thaksin Shinawatra really has quit politics - as he had stated previously.

He said Thaksin might "still have a social role and continue to comment on Thai politics" but not as strongly as in the past.

However, Thaksin would not run in an election and would not try to be prime minister again, Chaturon said.

"Thaksin is an active man, he can't stay still. No matter what his occupation, he is like that," Chaturon said.

"Commenting on politics, especially on issues related to him or his concern about the country, doesn't mean he is still a politician or is in politics."

- The Nation

[yoshiwara]

perfect case study of whack-a-mole.

[John K]

Thaksin 'has quit politics'

Thai Rak Thai acting party leader Chaturon Chaisang said yesterday that former prime minister and Thai Rak Thai leader Thaksin Shinawatra really has quit politics - as he had stated previously.

He said Thaksin might "still have a social role and continue to comment on Thai politics" but not as strongly as in the past.

However, Thaksin would not run in an election and would not try to be prime minister again, Chaturon said.

"Thaksin is an active man, he can't stay still. No matter what his occupation, he is like that," Chaturon said.

"Commenting on politics, especially on issues related to him or his concern about the country, doesn't mean he is still a politician or is in politics."

- The Nation

To be honest this is the first believable thing I have heard if you rule out money as a motive.

[sriracha john]

Drinking coffee with Mr Thaksin

Sipping coffee at Harrods shopping mall in the heart of London has become a routine of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, made jobless by the Sept 19 coup. The man who was once consumed with plans designed to make his Thai Rak Thai party take deeper root in politics, now leisurely walks into a coffee shop on the ground floor of the high-end department store where he greets and chats with people, and even offers some Thai expat strangers a cup of coffee. "It's quite strange," commented a Thai who has just visited this luxurious mall and met Mr Thaksin by chance. "He didn't touch on the political stuff and he just kept talking about tourism and smiling," he added. But that was two days before the Constitution Tribunal handed down its verdict, which disbanded the nearly decade-old Thai Rak Thai party which he founded. Some wonder how well Mr Thaksin has been able to retain his composure, as by now the dissolution verdict must have sunk in. It is not always easy to approach Mr Thaksin in London, according to some Thai visitors to Harrods. The former PM has 3-4 bodyguards by his side. They act as if at they are ready to intercept anyone coming towards Mr Thaksin, even for a friendly handshake.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/07Jun2007_news95.php

[Jai Dee]

Thaksin says will go home when Thai democracy returns

Ousted Thai premier Thaksin Shinawatra says he will return to his native land when democracy is restored and spend his time teaching and taking part in charity work.

In Japan to accept an invitation to become a guest lecturer at a Tokyo university, a haggard-looking Thaksin told a news conference on Thursday that he also expected political normalcy to return soon.

Last week, a Thai tribunal banned Thaksin -- unseated last September in a bloodless coup -- from politics for five years and disbanded his Thai Rak Thai (Thais love Thais) party.

"The government has promised in December elections, and now they already allow the political gatherings, and I think the democracy should return back to Thailand soon.

"When democracy returns to Thailand, Thailand will prosper again and I will go back to contribute to the country as a normal citizen."

Thaksin, who now lives in London, may face trial on charges of corruption, one of the justifications given for the coup.

Thailand's cabinet agreed on Tuesday to let political parties resume activities, but Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont said last week that his government had no plan to propose early amnesties for Thaksin and his party leaders.

Thaksin said last week that he accepted the decision banning him from politics, but urged his supporters to stay involved.

Analysts said they expected a stepped-up campaign to rebuild his image and popularity among urban voters, many of whom are fed up with the gaffe-prone, post-coup interim government.

Thaksin declined to answer questions about politics at the news conference, which was held to announce his appointment as an occasional guest lecturer at Tokyo's Takushoku University, and said he wants to concentrate on education in the future.

He hoped that his lectures, the first of which is set for July 5, could eventually lead to the establishment of a research institute on Asian economies based in Japan.

"I don't want my accumulated knowledge and experience to die with me, I want to share it with young people," he said.

"I would like to spend the rest of my life in education and charitable activities."

Source: Reuters - 07 June 2007

[Jai Dee]

Thaksin hopes to return to Thailand

Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra said on Thursday he would like to return to his home country to teach ''after Thailand returns to democracy.''

Thaksin, who has been living in exile since a coup last year ousted him as prime minister, made the comments in Tokyo at a news conference.

Thaksin said he believed democracy would return to Thailand ''soon,'' but he declined to take questions about Thai politics, including the recent court-ordered dissolution of his Thai Rak Thai Party.

Thaksin, who has made a bid to buy the English soccer team Manchester City, also spoke of the benefits of football to the region.

''Getting involved in the football club in England or in Premier League will allow another window open for the younger generation in Asia.''

On Tuesday Thailand's interim government lifted a ban on political party activities that had been imposed last September when the military staged a coup d'etat to oust an elected government.

Government Spokesman Yongyuth Maiyalarb said the action, which will allow parties to prepare for a general election tentatively scheduled for December, was approved at Tuesday's weekly Cabinet meeting.

Parties had been unable to hold public meetings and organise themselves.

All political parties had been lobbying strongly for several months for the lifting of the ban on their activities, arguing that it was necessary to help the restoration of democracy.

The lifting of the ban, effective immediately, came six days after a court ordered the dissolution of Shinawatra's Thai Rak Thai Party.

The Constitutional Tribunal also barred more than 100 of Thai Rak Thai's top leaders from public office for five years for electoral law violations in connection with a general election held in April last year.

The Democrat Party, the country's second-biggest, also faced charges but was exonerated.

Last week's court ruling raised the prospect that the next election would be seen as unfair and could cause divisiveness that might lead to violence.

Thai Rak Thai remains very popular among Thailand's rural majority, who delivered the party huge electoral victories.

For now, Thai Rak Thai's former members are still unable to carry out any organised political activities.

Source: AP - 07 June 2007

[sriracha john]

Thaksin to keep in touch with "fans" through new website

Former prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra will open a new website to keep in touch with his supporters, his legal advisor, Noppadol Patama, said Thursday.

He said the new website would provide all details of Thaksin and his family as well as his arguments over the legal cases against him.

He said the working team was in the process of registering the domain name of the site.

The site would also have a web board for Thaksin's supporters to post questions for him to reply.

- The Nation

[hammered]

Thaksin to keep in touch with "fans" through new website

Former prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra will open a new website to keep in touch with his supporters, his legal advisor, Noppadol Patama, said Thursday.

He said the new website would provide all details of Thaksin and his family as well as his arguments over the legal cases against him.

He said the working team was in the process of registering the domain name of the site.

The site would also have a web board for Thaksin's supporters to post questions for him to reply.

- The Nation

I wonder of questions relating to his alleged misdeeds will be welcomed on the web board?

[sriracha john]

Thaksin to keep in touch with "fans" through new website

Former prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra will open a new website to keep in touch with his supporters, his legal advisor, Noppadol Patama, said Thursday.

He said the new website would provide all details of Thaksin and his family as well as his arguments over the legal cases against him.

He said the working team was in the process of registering the domain name of the site.

The site would also have a web board for Thaksin's supporters to post questions for him to reply.

- The Nation

I wonder of questions relating to his alleged misdeeds will be welcomed on the web board?

sure they are... he's letting it all hang out now... to make a verbatim quote of the Bangkok's Post article:

"Meanwhile, his lawyer Noppadon Pattama said Mr Thaksin may send massage to his supporters soon but the means to get the massage through Thailand is not yet certain."

see??? Thaksin's taken to doing out-call massages with his assets frozen... He's making a little cash on the side servicing his supporters in the UK....

oh... and here's the link:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=119935

He's gonna go all out to merchandise items on his website.. ebay his wife's panties..... dvd's of his son's cavorting for sale.... whatever.

Ringtone downloads on his discussion board for fees.... etc. etc.

Edited July 5, 2007 by sriracha john

[sriracha john]

In Japan to accept an invitation to become a guest lecturer at a Tokyo university, a haggard-looking Thaksin told a news conference on Thursday that he also expected political normalcy to return soon.

Thaksin declined to answer questions about politics at the news conference, which was held to announce his appointment as an occasional guest lecturer at Tokyo's Takushoku University, and said he wants to concentrate on education in the future.

He hoped that his lectures, the first of which is set for July 5, could eventually lead to the establishment of a research institute on Asian economies based in Japan.

"I don't want my accumulated knowledge and experience to die with me, I want to share it with young people," he said.

"I would like to spend the rest of my life in education and charitable activities."

UPDATE.... with Ajarn Thaksin taking to the lecture stage

Deposed Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra gives a special lecture to Japanese university students in Tokyo

Deposed PM Gives Special Lecture in Japan

Takushoku University invited exiled premier Thaksin Shinawatra as a foreign speaker to provide a lecture for students on Thursday. The main issue of the speech was strategies for Asian countries to boost foreign investments.

In the lecture, the former premier focused on the better understanding of capitalism as those who recognize the core of capitalism will surely be successful in business.

Thaksin revealed that operating a business is easier for Americans than Asians, as the United States government fully supports entrepreneurship. He stated that an American can become a business person overnight; he can just sit in a bar, jot down his plan, and then find investment sources. These are very easy steps to build a business. Professor Thaksin is whacked...

The deposed Prime Minister ended the lecture with some food for thought. He said Asians should recognize that their economy has been far behind the Western economy and everyone should, therefore, learn to survive in the capitalist world we are living in.

Meanwhile, in an interview with a Tokyo news agency, Thaksin insisted that he will return to his homeland to defend himself regarding the corruption charges against him when the judicial process becomes fair enough for him.

- Thailand Outlook

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

I hope the school didn't put out very much for this so-called lecture....

[Tony Clifton]

"I would like to spend the rest of my life in education and charitable activities."

Seems you'll be spending the rest of your life hiding and denying, even possibly in jail.

[sriracha john]

Quitting advice unheeded

Former Thai Rak Thai finance minister Somkid Jatusripitak yesterday revealed that he had advised ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra to resign at the peak of protests against his government last year to prevent further trouble.

"I told him to quit and said I would do likewise. I told him we had done enough [for the country]," Somkid said at a seminar on the decade after the 1997 financial crisis, which was held at King Prajadhipok's Institute.

Thaksin took the message calmly, he said, which made Somkid believe Thaksin would in fact quit.

Somkid said he would indeed have resigned also, adding that such a decision on Thaksin's part could have ended the crisis.

However, things turned out differently after they left the room, he said. Somkid said it was possible Thaksin had not trusted him because the then premier had been told that Somkid wanted to succeed him in the job, which had not been true.

- The Nation

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

"I told him we had done enough [for the country]."

Just wondering if that [for the country] was really what he intended it to mean.

[sriracha john]

"People still miss, care and admire what I have done for their families."

THAKSIN SHINAWATRA

OUSTED PRIME MINISTER

Bangkok Post

People still miss me, says Thaksin

He insists grassroot support is strong

Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra still claims loyalty from grassroot voters, even though he has been out of power for almost a year. Policies such as the universal health-care scheme, debt relief projects and people's bank initiative pulled the needy out of poverty, and kept them behind him even though he was no longer in power, he said. ''People still miss, care and admire what I have done for their families,'' he said in Hong Kong. It was his first interview with the Thai press since the Sept 19 coup. The interview was financed by the Professional Golf Association of Thailand, which held a meeting there. Thaksin was recently made president of the association. He was confident that the ban on the TRT party and the decision to seize his assets would not shake his popularity. Almost 300 former TRT members have decided to run together in the next election. Thaksin said they realised that voters remained loyal to the policies designed by Thai Rak Thai.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/09Jul2007_news01.php

Thaksin sporting his new jacket with the PGA logo.

[hammered]

He looks wrecked.

[Tony Clifton]

"I told him we had done stashed enough [for the country]."

''People still miss, care and admire what I have done for their some families,''

[sriracha john]

Sorry, too late to edit the post, but I neglected to include his proper title in Post #349.

The last line of the post should read:

President Thaksin sporting his new jacket with the PGA logo.

[sriracha john]

Thaksin lawyer threatens to sue minister

Noppadon Pattama, legal aide of ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra, threatens to sue Defence Minister Boonrawd Somtas on Friday after he claimed Mr Thaksin is partly responsible for the baht volatility. Mr Noppadon says Gen Boonrawd's accusation causes public to misunderstand Mr Thaksin and think that he is still engaged in political movement. He hit back at Gen Boonrawd, saying that the minister does nothing concerning the defence work but constantly discredits Mr Thaksin. He insists that Mr Thaksin has never damaged the country and no longer has political ambition.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=120136

[Mid]

Chuan: Thaksin hasn't quit politics

Ex-premier Chuan Leekpai said Friday he believes ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra has not quit politics.

Mr Chuan said he believes Mr Thaksin still support former Thai Rak Thai party members.

BangkokPost.com

[Siripon]

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?

[Plus]

New Harry Potter book about the end of You Know Who.

[hammered]

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?

Dont forget that every mooted leader of the Thaksin loves Thaksin party part two must be chosen by the mighty one. It is a party of the person for the person and by the person. It is amazing in this day and age of relative enlightenment world wide how many well educated and rich people are quite willing to be slaves of Money Master Manchester.

[sriracha john]

Shinawatra University, founded by ex-PM, falls on hard times

SIU is running in the red, has fewer students

Shinawatra University (SIU) has been having a rough time lately, just like its namesake founder, deposed PM Thaksin Shinawatra. The university is running in the red and the number of local and foreign students is shrinking. The university, which opened in 1999, was said to be a bid by Mr Thaksin to give Shin Corp profits back to society. Financed by the Shinawatra family to the tune of up to one billion baht, the university in Pathum Thani's Sam Khok district became the country's first cyber university. SIU has been in trouble since the telecommunications giant changed hands and Thaksin was ousted from power. Acting university rector Prida Wibulswas said the number of undergraduate and graduate students had dropped from 383 in 2005 to 320 last year. ''Our goal at the start of the university was to have a pool of 2,000 students, welcoming 125 undergraduate freshmen and 100 graduate freshmen each year. But we have been far behind target,'' said Mr Prida. ''The university is running in the red, losing 40 million baht a year. But this is a problem facing quality universities worldwide,'' said Mr Prida.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/23Jul2007_news03.php

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

over-inflated goals.... losing millions..... sounds a lot like Thaksin's Elite Card scam...

[sriracha john]

"I prefer to live in China" : Thaksin

Citing his Chinese ethnicity, ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra said in a Hong Kong book fair to launch his book that if he were to be permanently exiled from Thailand, ideally, he would choose to live in China.

Thaksin Shinawatra has just officially launched his book, "Thaksin's 24 Hours After the Coup", at the Hong Kong Book Fair 2007, reported Hong Kong's Ming Pao.

The book, co-written with three Chinese authors, details the events leading up to Thaksin's fall from grace. It tells of his suspicions as he boarded the plane to New York for his United Nations address. He says he underestimated the Army and was surprised that an "upright" person like him would meet such a fate.

Published in Chinese by the News Corporation, owned Chinese cable television station Phoenix, the 10,000 first edition copies of the book will be sold mainly in China, Taiwan and Hong Kong, said Thaksin's lawyer Noppadol Pattama.

At the fair, the former premier urged the interim government to work harder to bring peace and stability to the country.

For the first time, Thaksin commented on the Asset Examination Committee's "illegal" measure to freeze his assets. He told Taiwan's China Times that the asset freeze was politically motivated.

Since he was ousted in a military coup, the former Prime Minister was charged with concealment of assets, tax evasion and abuse of power, not least the acquisition of the Rachadapisek land at Bt722 million below the valued and appraised price of Bt2.1 billion.

According to his legal aides, Thaksin is likely to return to Thailand on August 14, primarily to "fight for his reputation". But a source familiar with the litigation said that he would immediately return to London, once he has testified before court.

- The Nation

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

Looking to give Harry Potter's new book a run for its money....

Edited July 23, 2007 by sriracha john

[Plus]

The end of the new Harry Potter is a bit dramatic for our simple Square Head.

Despite superior power and skills You Know Who lost to courage and bravery. "Doing the right thing" proved more powerful, he underestimated it. He also underestimated side effects of using underhand tactics, he thought it would leave no mark on him. He should have listened to his mom (You Know Who was an orphan, though).

If generals stand they course and don't get distracted Thaksin's karma will similarly catch up with him, it always does, one way or another, and I don't think we'll have to wait for the next life either.

There was speculation in the letters to the Nation that the real purpose of buying Man City was to get his foot in the door on the upcoming Casino project.

The thought of him moving to China and entrusting his children to run the club must be heartwarming to the fans, and the season hasn't even started yet...

>>>>

Looking at this thread's title I keep wondering if Thaksin will ever quit. He said himself he can't stay still, he need constant action. He might quit dreams about returning to politics but we'll never be short of news on Square Head sightings, the difference is that they will be moved to gossip and social pages.