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

[Samuian]

here is one excerpt from a posted comment on the article:

The Economists coverage on Thailand continues to appear out of balance. Any comparison of the King to Thaksin is like looking at an accomplished piece of artwork placed next to a cartoon by a 8 year old. Both have there attractions but only one stands up to any test of depth or quality. Of course there is a difficult succession issue, but this is not what is actually driving the chaos - unless you buy into the propaganda that Thaksin is somehow "the rightful successor".

[permanent_disorder]

Note: Today, all references to Sam Moon below were posted on www.Economist.com but were removed by The Economist's moderator (the headlines below are paraphrased, the quotes are direct from news articles)

1.*Sam Moon hired as Thaksin's PR man

(The Nation Nov 18 2008)

-Finally, we now know who has been actively behind Thaksin Shinawatra's PR war from the outside. He is Sam Moon. Thaksin previously won the PR war from the outside, painting himself as a champion of democracy and a victim of a military coup. However, after the UK's denial of his visa, Thaksin's image has taken a beating. Inside Thailand, Thaksin has won the battle in the upcountry, where the political stake is the highest. The PR War from the outside and the reinforcement of the rural political base are what Thaksin is trying to strengthen to corner the Bangkok middle class and his political enemies.

-----------------------------------------------------------

2. *Sam Moon, The Economist ties

(The Nation Nov 19 2008)

-Sam Moon has lived in and worked across Asia for the past 23 years working for The Economist, Dow Jones and his own company in partnership with BusinessWeek. Based mainly in Hong Kong, Sam spearheaded the effort of two global media companies, namely The Economist Group and Dow Jones, in transforming their respective conference activities into an actual growth-oriented and profitable business units. While in The Economist Group, Sam was also made responsible for The Economist Group’s conference business for the United States and Latin America, with the aim of facilitating a similar business turnaround for The Economist brand. Mr. Moon first met Dr. Thaksin Shinawatra 16 years ago and has remained in contact with him over the years. Sam holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Tennessee, United States.

----------------------------------------------------------

3.*Sam Moon likens Thaksin to Clinton

(Bangkok Post Nov 23 2008)

-"Having seen Dr Thaksin work with media, handle challenges and 'work' a crowded room, Mr Moon feels Dr Thaksin is one of only a handful of a new generation of Asian leaders who could become a 'Clinton from Asia'. Dr Thaksin's leadership ability, vision, charm and media savvy put him in a league all his own."

----------------------------------------------------------

4.* Thaksin likens himself to Nelson Mandela, threatens to expose 'certain figure'

(Reuters interview Nov 11 2008)

-Thaksin likened his struggle to that of South African freedom fighter and statesman Nelson Mandela. Thaksin's threat to reveal names of people who had cornered him would stop at a certain figure he has previously characterised as "charismatic" and "extra-constitutional".

red numbers added

i don't like it when people don't gave a link to their quotes, and i have to google it.

1. first hit goes to http://antithaksin.wordpress.com/ OOHhh HOohh. the second to The Nation but stop - to a blog entry at nationmulti http://blog.nationmultimedia.com/thanong/2008/11/18/

any Punchinello can have a blogdotnationmultimedia. but okay the blog owner is Fonzis best friend Thanong Khanthong

2. complicated. it appears at the same blog entry by Thanong Khanthong, but the quote above seems to be a cut up and mix collage of few sentences, selected from two long text blocks in that blog entry. (bath&sold edit?)

anyway, those two text blocks are copypasta from two different webpages a monkey can google to have something about sam, Thanong Khanthong don't give a link or says that this is not his own work and writing. only copypasta from here and here. such copypasta is low style, Khun Thanong. even if you would just have your own private britney spear fan page on AOL.

try to sell us that at TVforum as The Nation News is low style as well and misleading.

3. appears at the same blog entry by Thanong Khanthong, but is a copypasta form building better website. but okay the bangkok post had it too, but clearly states that it is a quote from the BBFF website.

try to sell us that at TVforum as Bangkok Post News is low style as well and misleading.

and reality check, it's a stupid hollow phrase. PR blah, blah. and who is clinton? what year sam moon said that? it's probably written by some intern who copypasta old blah, blah from the archive. it's dumb, corny but not evil. and not enough for a conspiration theory. if thaksin has fun in TEH INternet, i could be a prank, to troll his haters, pseudo investigative comedy journalists like Thanong Khanthong.

4. google, with Reuters?. no. no have, mai mii. the only hit on google goes to www.bahtsold.com/news isn't that strange. nowhere elso is this quote online. maybe rewritten from memory or a own translation of a translation but not direct from reuters.

and thaksin = mandela, why not? for how many years mandela was leader, ANC leader? and did he pay taxes? winni mandela would be his old buddy chamlong in this case.

please, in the future no more fake news and false sources.

the whole Economist and sam bashing is BS. nonsense. a) i doubt that sam moon, or thaksin with sam as proxy any editorial influence has or evil power use to change what will be written in those publications of that big company economist group. without sam moon and the BBFF connection they would just write the same.

nothing more than some kind of world jews masonic conspiraction theory with PAD dumb nuts logic, silly.

how about to focus more whats going on inside thailand. gossip stories about Khmer wizard Newin and family ranch. his brother & the contract killers for example. abhisits adventures with senior women...

[Plus]

Economist opinion pieces on Thailand originate from HK office and all go through a single guy. The same office that had Moon as a shining star for years.

It is rather expected that Moon could squeeze a few kind words from the editor for his employer.

That's actually his job - get favourable publicity, he is the PR man, after all.

[Journalist]

here is one excerpt from a posted comment on the article:

The Economists coverage on Thailand continues to appear out of balance. Any comparison of the King to Thaksin is like looking at an accomplished piece of artwork placed next to a cartoon by a 8 year old. Both have there attractions but only one stands up to any test of depth or quality. Of course there is a difficult succession issue, but this is not what is actually driving the chaos - unless you buy into the propaganda that Thaksin is somehow "the rightful successor".

This must be some kind of record. Typeface with

-Black regular

-Black italic

-Black bold

-Black bold underlined

-Blue regular

-Blue underlined

....all in a four line quote.

[sriracha john]

Thaksin's proudly boasted bio from www.BuildingBetterFuture.org:

"In 1973 Dr. Shinawatra joined the Royal Thai Police Department and was promoted to Police Lieutenant Colonel in 1987."

"Dr. Shinawatra holds the following royal decorations: Knight Grand Commander of the Most Illustrious Order of Chula Chom Klao (2002); Knight Grand Cross (First Class) of the Most Admirable Order of the Direkgunabhorn (2001); Knight Grand Cordon (Special Class) of the Most Exalted Order of the White Elephant (1996); Knight Grand Cordon (Special Class) of the Most Noble Order of the Crown of Thailand (1995)."

following his ultimately unappealed conviction....ALL of the above are now gone...

Thaksin willing to return royal decorations

Ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra will likely agree to return all of his royal decorations if required to by law, Government Spokesman Natthawut Saikua said yesterday.

If Thaksin fails to appeal the Supreme Court's guilty verdict and two-year jail sentence against him in the Ratchadaphisek land case, the Knight Grand Commander (Second Class, higher grade) of the Most Illustrious Order of Chula Chom Klao would need to be recalled.

A PM's Office decree endorsed by then-PM Thaksin in August 2005 gives eight criteria for the recalling of royal decorations, including if a person is convicted by the highest court and ordered to serve time in prison.

If Thaksin does not seek a retrial within 30 days, the PM's Office must seek royal approval to demand the royal decorations be returned.

Thaksin has received nine royal decorations, starting with the Member (Fifth Class) of the Most Noble Order of the Crown of Thailand in 1974. The highest was the Knight Grand Commander (Second Class, higher grade) of the Most Illustrious Order of Chula Chom Klao, bestowed in 2003.

Thaksin may lose his rank

Police are considering stripping former PM Thaksin Shinawatra of his rank of Lieutenant-Colonel for his conviction in the Ratchadaphisek land purchase case. Police Spokesman Police Lieutenant-General Watcharapol Prasarnratchakit said they would have to wait for 30 days before proceeding as Thaksin, convicted of violating the anti-graft law, could appeal if he can produce new evidence.

Under the National Police Act, commissioned officers can be stripped of their rank when found guilty of corruption or sentenced to jail.

Thaksin won't appeal corruption conviction

Ousted Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra will not appeal his conviction and two-year jail sentence for corruption, his lawyer said as the deadline passed for any legal action.

*not sure why the delay for stripping his rank/title and no further word on Thaksin's pledge to return his royal decorations as he said he would*

Thaksin's police rank could be revoked

The police are considering removing ousted PM Thaksin Shinawatra's police rank as a Police Lieutenant-Colonel, according to the assistant to the Royal Thai Police Commissioner-General Police Lieutemant-General Watcharapol Prasarnrajkit. He said the Disciplinary Division under the Royal Thai Police is deciding whether the fugitive ex-PM's Thaksin police rank as a Police Lieutenant-Colonel should be revoked. On bringing Thaksin back to fight his charges in Thailand, Watcharapol said relevant officials have to gather evidences and forward them to

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=135484

[sriracha john]

Thaksin's options get fewer and fewer

WHERE is Thaksin Shinawatra now? Somebody said he is in Panama, the southernmost country of Central America. Fewer and fewer countries are willing to welcome the fugitive ex-prime minister, with the political liability, criminal sentence, and dubious financial transactions he carries around with him.

Thaksin would like to create the impression that he is staying in Dubai. But Dubai might not want to welcome him anymore. China and Hong Kong do not want to court trouble either by allowing him to enter their territories. Most other countries that have relations with Thailand are reluctant to play host to him because of his political activity.

He would like to return home as a hero and a victor, but that prospect is now almost zero. He cannot turn Thailand upside down. He has much less money than before. And money cannot buy everything. His friends and supporters are deserting him.

Thaksin now has to plan his movements carefully because he cannot stay in countries that have an extradition treaty with Thailand. So he will be hopping around to unfamiliar places like Panama or Papua New Guinea.

With the UK revoking his visa, Thaksin can no longer enter any Commonwealth countries. Singapore is caught in the same dilemma of not wanting to welcome Thaksin again. What would be the US response if Thaksin were to apply for a visa to enter the US?

His diplomatic passport has also been revoked. This passport, given only to present and past prime ministers and foreign ministers for life, allowed Thaksin to travel to any country without a visa. But that privilege has now been denied.

The Foreign Ministry was quick to act earlier this week when it was clear that the Democrats were settling into power. Thaksin's support base in the bureaucracy, police and Parliament is crumbling fast. The Thai authorities are now determining whether they will revoke his normal passport altogether.

Asked about the revocation of his father's red passport, Panthongtae Shinawatra said earlier this week that his father was carrying several passports with him and that he was not sure which country he was in now because he had no plan to visit him yet.

Thaksin has lost money in the global financial meltdown. Rumours have been swirling for some time that he has lost in oil-futures trading. Oil futures rose from US$80 (Bt 2,760) to $90 before hitting $160 per barrel. Now the future contracts are trading at $45 a barrel. That could have wiped out more than half of his staggering assets.

All investors in the capital and financial markets have been burnt badly or gone bankrupt in the adverse market conditions. Thaksin is probably no exception. He thought that his investments would be safe with portfolio diversification. But Long-Term Capital Management, the super hedge fund, went bankrupt in 1998 in adverse market conditions even though it thought it had balanced all of its positions.

Thaksin is known to be a big gambler. He does not know how to lose or how to concede. He maintains a winner-takes-all attitude, which he brought with him into the business world and politics. He is now suffering from the boomerang effect. He thought that his wealth and political fortunes would rise forever. Now the financial markets and politics have gone against him.

He might also run into trouble with the UK authorities due to his dubious financial transactions, probably one of the reasons that his visa was denied. Thaksin bought Manchester City Football Club for more than 80 million pounds (4.3 Billion Baht) and sold the club to Sheikh Mansour of Abu Dhabi for 210 million pounds. That deal raised the eyebrows of the British authorities. What was "Sinatra" trying to do? That prompted them to take a careful look at his financial dealings.

Arabianbusiness.com has recently revealed that the UK froze Thaksin's assets amounting to $4 Billion. "The UK froze his reputed $4 billion of assets, forcing him to sell Manchester City to Abu Dhabi's Sheikh Mansour. To add to his troubles, his UK visa was revoked - oh, and his wife divorced him last week," the Arabianbusiness report said.

Strangely enough, nobody followed up on this story to either confirm or deny whether Thaksin's $4 billion has been frozen by the British authorities. That is no small amount. It is almost 140 Billion Baht, more than the stimulus package that new prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva plans to pump into rural areas during this time of economic hardship.

Writing in the Los Angeles Times of December 11, W Scott Thompson also confirmed that Thaksin's assets had been frozen by the UK authorities. He wrote: "Meantime, the British have frozen Thaksin's assets in Britain and revoked his visa. So Thaksin's other asset - his rural popularity - can only decline."

Thaksin's dubious financial transactions and his two-year jail sentence in Thailand were the two main reasons, in that order, that led the UK authorities to revoke his visa.

With his dwindling assets overseas, Thaksin's wealth now largely lies in Thailand. But his 76 Billion Baht is frozen by the Thai authorities pending corruption charges against him. Thaksin is fighting fiercely to get this money back, which was earned from the sale of Shin Corp to Temasek Holdings of Singapore. But again the prospect of getting this money back is slim, with his "unusually rich" case going to court.

His wife, Pojaman, has divorced him. She knows all the financial details. They agreed to separate, at least tactically, so she can keep a portion of the wealth for herself and their children. Thaksin will use the rest of the money mainly to finance his political comeback.

Without any family obligations, Thaksin now has nothing to worry about. He can do things his own way. He has repeatedly sent out the signal, "Don't push me into a corner."

- The Nation / 2008-12-19

[sriracha john]

Police to Strip off Ousted PM's Police Ranking

The National Police Office has launched the process to strip off ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's police ranking.

Deputy National Police Chief Police Lieutenant-General Watcharapol Prasarnratchakij said the abolishment of ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinnawatra's Police Lieutenant-Colonel ranking is now under consideration by the disciplinary division.

Police Lieutenant-General Watcharapol said the division requires documents from the Supreme Court's Division for Cases against Political Post Holders to make sure the Ratchada land purchase case has been finalised.

He insisted the move is not influenced by the change of the power, but rests with the legal process, while the campaign to extradite Thaksin is still underway.

- TOC / 2008-12-18

[Richard W]

Thaksin's options get fewer and fewer

With the UK revoking his visa, Thaksin can no longer enter any Commonwealth countries. Singapore is caught in the same dilemma of not wanting to welcome Thaksin again.

- The Nation / 2008-12-19

The first sentence is a non-sequitur, as is demonstrated by the second sentence. Singapore is part of the Commonwealth.

[Plus]

Just let his fans realise the reported figure - at least 140 billion baht that Thaksin secretly syphoned out of the country.

Champion of the poor...

Edited December 19, 2008 by Plus

[sriracha john]

Is it over for Thaksin?

Abandoned by allies, moving from country to country, divorces wife...

Even after he was ousted in a 2006 coup, former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra was arguably still the most powerful politician in Thailand. In exile, he had enough influence to make sure the next prime minister was his own choosing.

But now, a fugitive from justice, without a home and with $2 billion in assets frozen, his diplomatic passport gone and his regular passport at risk, Thaksin has been deserted by allies who sense the shifting of political winds.

The parliamentary vote on Monday to pick a new prime minister was a poignant moment in the career of the man who had disdained and silenced his opponents and said he wanted to remain prime minister for many years to come.

The night before the vote, according to The Nation, he was said to have been busy making some heartbreaking phone calls to his home country.

Begging

'He was begging many people,' The Nation said, quoting an unnamed source. 'Please save me. Please save my life.'

It is unlikely that they could have done anything.

That very night, politicians defecting the Thaksin camp were locked for their own protection in hotel rooms, their telephones confiscated to shield them from the pleas and payoffs of their former comrades.

Those most at risk of turning back were bundled the next morning into Parliament in a bloc and surrounded in their seats by their newfound allies.

When the vote for prime minister was taken, the defections held, and the most powerful politician in Thailand lost control of electoral politics for the first time this decade.

"If you ask me, am I upset, am I sad?" he told supporters in a videotaped address on Saturday, "Yes, I am. I am human."

The balance of power is in the hands of Newin Chidchob, formerly one of Thaksin's closest lieutenants. He broke ranks last week during a telephone call in which Newin is reported to have said: "Boss, it is over."

It was the culmination of a bad year for Thaksin, to put it mildly.

In October, a court sentenced him in absentia to two years in jail for conflict of interest in a land deal during premiership. He now faces a warrant of arrest if he returns home.

On 7 Nov, the British government, where he and his family had lived in exile, revoked his visa, and since then, he has travelled to Hong Kong, Dubai, and Indonesia, taking care to avoid nations with extradition treaties with Thailand.

A week after that, he divorced his powerful wife, Pojaman, in what appeared to be a tactical move to protect his remaining wealth from legal cases - 'asset management', in the words of economist Ammar Siamwalla.

"In my view, he is politically dead," Mr Ammar said. "But the Thaksin brand is something else." Thaksin liked to brand himself as the CEO prime minister, who would run Thailand like a top-down business. "And that means there's been a takeover," Mr Ammar said. "The chairman of the board has been sacked, the CEO has been sacked, but the company remains, and its main asset, the Thaksin brand name, is up for grabs."

At the same time, without a sympathetic government in power, Thaksin has become more vulnerable to the workings of government institutions.

"It used to be the courts that he had to worry about, but now the police, prosecutors, the stock market regulators, and revenue officials will all work under the Democrats," The Nation said.

But some are not convinced Thaksin's hold on power is over.

"We know that Thaksin is not a quitter in any way. So I think he will continue to play whatever reduced hand he still has, and that must be to try and disrupt this government as soon as possible," said Chris Baker, a British historian and co-author of books about Thaksin.

The current government is a tenuous coalition led by the Democrat Party and its leader, Mr Abhisit, but dependent on some of the people who had been closest to Thaksin.

The new government takes office at a time of economic crisis and intense social and political divisions that have shaken two previous governments this year, and some analysts say it may be as short-lived as its predecessors.

"As long as things don't look rosy, I think he still has a role," Baker said.

- International Herald Tribune / 2008-12-20

[henryalleman]

Thaksin to attack Govt, CNS through website, satellite TV

Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra will step up his attacks by giving video interviews which will be broadcast through a satellite TV and a website, a well-informed source said Sunday.

The source said the clips of his interview would be broadcast through www.reporter.co.th, known to be owned by his aide, Newin Chidchob.

The interviews would also beamed into the country on BTV to be picked up and relayed by certain local cable TV operators, the source said.

The Nation

I'm curious about who this well-informed source is?

Funny how Thaksin is now forced to use the tactics Sonthi L. had to use in order to broadcast in Thailand.

Well well... Highly criticizing Sonthi L. for barking out through his own channels, Thaksin now imitates him through www.reporter.co.th while Sonthis's website is www.manager.co.th.

"interviews would also beamed into the country on BTV to be picked up and relayed by certain local cable TV operators, the source said."

This is the only way Sonthi L. could manage to broadcast here under Thaksin's tenure. Unable to obtain a tv station broadcasting licence to provide his programming internally within the country (you know why and because of whom...) The only way for Sonthi L. was to run his broadcasts as a content provider which consisted of streaming his tv channel through the internet to Hong Kong, then uplink to a satellite which would rebroadcast the content, free of charge and available to any local cable distributors across the country. This actually was fought in court with Sonthi L. winning the case.

*update

www.reporter.co.th can be found on Google but you will get redirected here:

http://directory.truehits.net/shownewsdetail.php?id=27764

Censorship biting his a55 back.

this website is bugged with virusses;

[plachon]

Police to Strip off Ousted PM's Police Ranking

The National Police Office has launched the process to strip off ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's police ranking.

Deputy National Police Chief Police Lieutenant-General Watcharapol Prasarnratchakij said the abolishment of ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinnawatra's Police Lieutenant-Colonel ranking is now under consideration by the disciplinary division.

Police Lieutenant-General Watcharapol said the division requires documents from the Supreme Court's Division for Cases against Political Post Holders to make sure the Ratchada land purchase case has been finalised.

He insisted the move is not influenced by the change of the power, but rests with the legal process, while the campaign to extradite Thaksin is still underway.

- TOC / 2008-12-18

Kharma (or is it just justice?) seems to be catching up faster with ex-PM and convicted criminal Thaksin(and possibly soon to be ex-Pol Lt Col) than anyone could ever imagine in days gone by in Thailand. Could this be construed as positive progress towards functioning democracy in Thailand?

[sriracha john]

Ex-PM Thaksin phoned Khon Kaen 'Red Shirt' gathering on Saturday

KHON KAEN, Dec 21 (TNA) - Fugitive ex-PM Thaksin Shinawatra telephoned a group of his supporters here from an undisclosed overseas location Saturday, telling the so-called 'Red Shirt Group" who gathered near Bung Kaen Nakhon lake in the provincial seat to observe the law.

The gathering was organised to show their opposition to the Democrat Party which has become the ruling party.

The 'Red Shirt' demonstrators, members and supporters of the United Front of Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD), are loyal to former prime minister Thaksin, ousted in the 2006 coup and since convicted of corruption. The group is threatening to surround Parliament when the new coalition government of Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva presents its policy to the House of Representatives, expected within the next 10 days.

At a demonstration in this northeastern province, a UDD core leader Kwanchai Praiphana, who was on the stage, talked with ex-premier Thaksin, who is one the run in an undisclosed country.

During the six-minute conversation, Thaksin expressed his concern regarding his supporters, saying he did not want to see them break the law.

The fugitive ex-premier said he wanted his supporters to behave under democratic principles even when they believed that there is injustice in society.

Police were deployed their forces to ensure order and security during the demonstration.

During the demonstration, Kwanchai who also is Chairman of the "We Love Udon" group told the red-clad supporters in Thailand's northern and northeastern provinces to move to Bangkok on December 29, the date it is expected the government will present its policy statement to Parliament.

[sriracha john]

Thaksin's younger sister Yaowaret Shinawatra

Thaksin in good health, says sister

Ousted PM Thaksin Shinawatra is well, and is worried about political situation in Thailand, his sister Yaowaret Shinawatra said. She refused to say where Thaksin is right now. She only said that he travels a lot to take care of his business.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=135531

[sriracha john]

^ More "aiding and abetting" by the convicted fugitive Shinawatra's family members.

Edited December 21, 2008 by sriracha john

[wayfarer108]

Thaksin's younger sister Yaowaret Shinawatra

Thaksin in good health, says sister

Ousted PM Thaksin Shinawatra is well, and is worried about political situation in Thailand, his sister Yaowaret Shinawatra said. She refused to say where Thaksin is right now. She only said that he travels a lot to take care of his business.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=135531

The warlord's family stick together.

[sriracha john]

Thaksin's younger sister Yaowaret Shinawatra

Thaksin in good health, says sister

Ousted PM Thaksin Shinawatra is well, and is worried about political situation in Thailand, his sister Yaowaret Shinawatra said. She refused to say where Thaksin is right now. She only said that he travels a lot to take care of his business.

The warlord's family stick together.

She wouldn't be a real Shinawatra if she didn't have her own thread involving, in her case 300 Million Baht, corruption...

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Thaksin-s-Si...cks-t39689.html

Thaksin's Sister Accused Of Kickbacks, Opposition MP releases video recording

and forgery...

even though her bachelor's degree from Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University has been revoked because of an allegedly forged vocational certificate.

(in the same thread)

and the filing of a defamation lawsuit...

filed a defamation suit seeking 400 million baht in damages against an executive of a media grouping

(also in the same thread)

Edited December 21, 2008 by sriracha john

[Ricardo]

Seems like a chip off the old block, eh ?

I wonder what she gets from her mother, apart from dress-sense and good-looks, that is ?

[sriracha john]

Former TRT MP and former PPP MP and current PTP MP Pracha Prasopdee

Pracha claims Thaksin would return to Thailand

PTP MP Pracha Prasopdee claimed Monday he had learned that former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra would return to Thailand on Thursday.

"Wait and see what will happen on December 25. I've heard there will be a big surprise on Christmas Day. If an important is not driven out of the country, an important person will definitely return to the country," Pracha said.

Asked whether that important person would be Thaksin, Pracha replied: "I've learned so".

- The Nation / 2008-12-22

[sriracha john]

PTP MP Pracha Prasopdee claimed Monday he had learned that former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra would return to Thailand on Thursday.

"Wait and see what will happen on December 25. I've heard there will be a big surprise on Christmas Day.

Welcome Home.... You have six of these waiting for you....

and oh yeah..... Merry Christmas

Edited December 22, 2008 by sriracha john

[Tony Clifton]

[animatic]

I'll Be Home For Christmas

or

Don't cry for me Rachisima by St. Madonawatra

It won't be easy, you'll think I'm stranger

When I try to explain how I feel

That I still need your love after all that I've done

You won't believe me

All you will see is a PM you once knew

Although I'm dressed up to the nines

All '60's and 70's to you

I had to let it happen, I had to rearrange

Couldn't stay so belly up to the trough

Looking out of penthouse, staying out of limelight

So I chose freedom

Taking a runner, escaping anew

But some thing depressed me ; my fall

I never expected it true.

Don't cry for me Rachisima

The truth I never told you

All through my blunders

My mad resistance

I kept my profits

Don't take your taxes.

And as for fortune, and as for face

They have been stolen

Though it's known to the world they were all I desired

They were just illusions

I've not solutions I'd promised to thee

The answer I've hidden is crime

I love you and hope you love me

Don't cry for me Ratchisima

The truth would only bore you

I took grand percentages

Stiffled most resistance

I want my money

So drop your sentence

Have I said too much?

There's no truths more I can think of to say to you.

But all you have to do is look at me to know

That every word is true

Don't cry for me Rachisima

The truth I never told you

All through my blunders

My mad resistance

I kept my profits

Don't take your taxes.

[jbowman1993]

Karma, Pure and Simple...

[marshbags]

Bangkok Post, Breaking news, 25/12/2008 at 02:46 PM

Court refuses to give Thaksin more time

The Supreme Court Thursday refused to give more time to ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra to fight assets seizure case.

Nine judges from the court decided to question witnesses involved in the case on March 26.

The court's Criminal Section for Holders of Political Positions earlier set the deadline for December 4, and it was already extended once to January 4.

The case is a civil lawsuit set forward by prosecutors, who seek to seize Mr Thaksin's assets worth about 76 million baht.

The fund is the estimated return from the sale of Shin Corp shares to Singapore's Temasek Holdings in 2006

Unquote

Karma indeed, with lots more to follow

marshbags

Edited December 25, 2008 by marshbags

[brahmburgers]

:::: WALL STREET TIMES, Dec. 25, 2008 ::::

Thaksin returned via private jet to SUV airport, Bangkok, last night. He walked out with shaven head and wearing orange robes, saying to reporters;

"I have embraced the monastic way of life. I hold no grudges toward anyone. I no longer crave endless amounts of wealth and power. Indeed, I now vow to take all my remaining money and assets and have it distributed among the most disadvantaged Thais."

The next day, after seeing the small room at the wat with the thin reed mattress, and the single bowl of modest food allowed each day - Thaksin quietly tip-toed out the back gate of the monastery grounds, slipped in to a black chauffeur-driven SUV - and sped off to an unnamed resort, clutching his golf bag to his chest.

BB - poot talok (just kidding) ....have a fun Christmas

[animatic]

:::: WALL STREET TIMES, Dec. 25, 2008 ::::

Thaksin returned via private jet to SUV airport, Bangkok, last night. He walked out with shaven head and wearing orange robes, saying to reporters;

"I have embraced the monastic way of life. I hold no grudges toward anyone. I no longer crave endless amounts of wealth and power. Indeed, I now vow to take all my remaining money and assets and have it distributed among the most disadvantaged Thais."

The next day, after seeing the small room at the wat with the thin reed mattress, and the single bowl of modest food allowed each day - Thaksin quietly tip-toed out the back gate of the monastery grounds, slipped in to a black chauffeur-driven SUV - and sped off to an unnamed resort, clutching his golf bag to his chest.

BB - poot talok (just kidding) ....have a fun Christmas

WHAT!!! April 1st here so quick,

Oh my, time to file taxes!!!

[sriracha john]

Suthep assigned to bring back Thaksin

Deputy PM Suthep Thuagsuban will initially coordinate with relevant people to bring back ousted PM Thaksin Shinawatra to the country, PM Abhisit Vejjajiva said on Thursday. Mr Abhisit said the government is ready to negotiate with all sides based on the principle of justice, so the country can progress forward. Thaksin should not be concerned that the government will mistreat him, the PM added. Deputy PM Suthep, meanwhile, admitted that he was assigned to approach Thaksin's close associates. He said the negotiation is aimed at restoring order to the country. The government already contacted his close associates and it is waiting for their response, Mr Suthep revealed. He insisted the government only wants the ex-premier to fight his graft charges in the country and does not want to aggravate

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=135677

[Samuian]

... He insisted the government only wants the ex-premier to fight his graft charges in the country and does not want to aggravate

the one concerned has made his point already "unless there is royal amnesty" he won't come back!

I wonder.... what is really going on?

If he's back he will do everything possible to get it his way, everything!

[sriracha john]

Mixed response to Suthep's 'let's talk' overtures

While the government holds out hope of peace talks with former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra and the anti-government Democratic Alliance Against Dictatorship, some of the leaders of the "red shirts" yesterday said the government would never stop them from continuing with their protests.

DAAD co-leader Natthawut Saikua confirmed that close aides of Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban had contacted the alliance twice, asking for talks.

The latest contact was on Tuesday, he said, adding that the DAAD would have no problem talking to Suthep.

The group will discuss its demonstration plans before asking its supporters to mobilise again, Natthawut said.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said yesterday he would leave it Suthep, who is also the Democrat Party secretary-general, to manage any talks with the government's rivals.

The government is open to any discussions, as long as they done are "in the right way" and all those involved are treated fairly, Abhisit said.

Suphachai Jaisamut, deputy government spokesman from the Friends of Newin faction, said Suthep's idea of talking with Thaksin was a good one. They have had a good relationship for a long time and should pursue such talks for the sake of the country, he said.

In the meantime, Thaksin would be unlikely to decline any offers to talk, he said.

Supachai said his group had not betrayed Thaksin, and the former PM has many opportunities to clear himself in the cases against him.

However, PTP Chiang Mai MP Surapong Towijakchaikul said Suthep would not succeed in his attempt at arranging talks.

Suthep is not Thaksin's friend, despite what he has claimed, said Surapong, adding that he had only been talking "politically".

"No way. No one would talk to him [suthep]. Suthep said those things in order to create a good image. It's his party's style to give the impression that its members are moral," Surapong said.

The red-shirted protesters are merely imitating what the anti-Thaksin People's Alliance for Democracy did. Therefore, no one will be able to stop them from ousting the government, he said.

The only way to unite the country is to have a neutral justice system, Surapong added.

Pheu Thai MP Jatuporn Promphan, co-leader of the DAAD, also said Suthep's attempt to arrange talks would not bear fruit.

The DAAD has declared its standpoint of fighting for democracy, regardless of which politicians ally themselves to its cause. The group would, therefore, boycott defecting politicians.

But more defecting politicians did not mean fewer protesters, he said.

"The DAAD has no boss - just common views. The former prime minister [Thaksin] is another person who shares our views, and he is this fight's symbol.

If the former prime minister had given up his beliefs and bowed to political pressure, his position now would be different. But he has stuck to righteousness and democracy, so he is where he is now. And he has nothing to lose any more," Jatuporn said.

Thaksin will never turn his back on the red-shirted supporters, he added.

- The Nation / 2009-01-02

[sriracha john]

Mixed response to Suthep's 'let's talk' overtures

While the government holds out hope of peace talks with former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra and the anti-government Democratic Alliance Against Dictatorship, some of the leaders of the "red shirts" yesterday said the government would never stop them from continuing with their protests.

DAAD co-leader Natthawut Saikua confirmed that close aides of Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban had contacted the alliance twice, asking for talks.

The latest contact was on Tuesday, he said, adding that the DAAD would have no problem talking to Suthep.

The group will discuss its demonstration plans before asking its supporters to mobilise again, Natthawut said.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said yesterday he would leave it Suthep, who is also the Democrat Party secretary-general, to manage any talks with the government's rivals.

The government is open to any discussions, as long as they done are "in the right way" and all those involved are treated fairly, Abhisit said.

Suphachai Jaisamut, deputy government spokesman from the Friends of Newin faction, said Suthep's idea of talking with Thaksin was a good one. They have had a good relationship for a long time and should pursue such talks for the sake of the country, he said.

In the meantime, Thaksin would be unlikely to decline any offers to talk, he said.

It'll be interesting to see if he does.

Supachai said his group had not betrayed Thaksin, and the former PM has many opportunities to clear himself in the cases against him.

that's for sure...

But more defecting politicians did not mean fewer protesters, he [Jatuporn] said.

Pre-rally, he also said they'd have 100,000 for this latest rally... and... 5,000 showed up.

"The DAAD has no boss - just common views. The former prime minister [Thaksin] is another person who shares our views, and he is this fight's symbol.

I think he's just a wee bit more than that.

If the former prime minister had given up his beliefs and bowed to political pressure, his position now would be different. But he has stuck to righteousness and democracy, so he is where he is now." Jatuporn said.

Terrific point, Jerktoporn...

Just exactly where is he now???

Edited January 2, 2009 by sriracha john