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

[Jai Dee]

RTP chief sets committee to investigate Mr. Thaksin's lèse majesté charges

The Interim Commissioner General of the Royal Thai Police has established a committee to investigate allegations that former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra engaged in lèse majesté.

Interim Royal Thai Police Commissioner General Pol Gen Seripisut Temeeyawes (เสรีพิศุทธิ์ เตมียาเวส), has given instructions for an investigative committee to be established to verify reports that former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra engaged in lèse majesté during his interview with foreign media. Pol Gen Seripisut said that the investigation would need to be conducted thoroughly due to the delicate nature of the charges. He added that all past cases of lèse majesté filed with the police against Mr. Thaksin would also be investigated immediately.

Pol Gen Seripisut added that past charges of the nature filed against Mr. Thaksin would need to be verified for acceptability.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 14 Febuary 2007

[Jai Dee]

PM not disturbed by Thaksin's biting comments

The Prime Minister asserts that Thaksin Shinawatra's political movement was not emotionally disturbing.

Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont gave an exclusive interview broadcast live through most TV stations and the national radio station last night, following 4 months of duty as the interim prime minister. Program host Thepachai Yong (เทพชัย หย่อง) queried Gen Surayud on how he felt regarding inflammatory comments made by former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. Prime Minister Surayud said he was not emotionally disturbed over verbal attacks directed towards the government. Gen Surayud also pointed out that Mr. Thaksin was entitled to his comments, and believes that Mr. Thaksin's interviews while abroad would provide Thai citizens with another perspective to consider.

Prime Minister Surayud also advised Mr. Thaksin to wait for election periods to end before attempting to return to Thailand. Gen Surayud added that Mr. Thaksin's premature return may spark political movements in the nation.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 14 Febuary 2007

See the full transcript from the interview in this thread.

[Jai Dee]

CNS says Thaksin corruption charges clearer within 60 days

The Council for National Security (CNS) spokesperson revealed that investigations into alleged corruption by the Thaksin administration would become clearer in the next 1-2 months.

The Spokesperson to the Council for National Security, COl Sansern Kaewkamnert (สรรเสริญ แก้วกำเนิด), revealed that the Council for National Security Operations Center has reported the consensus of the Assets Examination Committee (AEC) regarding charges of tax evasion by Mr. Banpot Damapong (บรรณพจน์ ดามาพงศ์ ) and Khunying Pojamarn Shinawatra (พจมาน ชินวัตร). The AEC has seen fit to file the case with the Office of The Attorney General for prosecution in criminal court. Col Sansern said that investigations by the CNS and the Office of The National Counter Corruption Commission are progressing well. All corruption cases against the Thaksin administration are expected to become clearer within 1-2 months.

The CNS Spokesperson added that the Office of the National Counter Corruption Commission wil report its findings to Prime Minister Surayud Chulanon on February 16.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 14 Febuary 2007

[John K]

Looks like we will be hearing from Thaksin’s remote mouth Noppadon soon.

What a lovely valentines day gift for Thaksin, Don’t you agree?

[Jai Dee]

Political movements of ex-PM do not influence PM Surayud

Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont has affirmed that the political movements of Pol. Lt. Col. Thaksin Shinawatra do not affect his feelings while advising him to return to Thailand after the next general election is over.

Gen. Surayud gave a special interview last night on Modern Nine TV, talking about his work over the last four months. During the session, he discussed the movements of deposed Prime Minister Thaksin who gave interviews with foreign media and criticized the current Thai government. However, Prime Minister Surayud responded that his criticisms do not have an effect on his emotions whatsoever because Pol. Lt. Col. Thaksin has the right and is capable to do so. He added that public members also have the mindset to consider his words and they are also aware of the accurate and inaccurate information.

Prime Minister Surayud has also suggested Pol. Lt. Col. Thaksin to come back to Thailand at a proper time, especially after the next general election is over because he is still uncertain about the political movements at the moment.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 14 Febuary 2007

[Tony Clifton]

"Enough is enough"

Ousted PM to speak at IISS in London

Deposed prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra will speak at the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), a London-based politicalmilitary think tank.

According to IISS's website, Thaksin will give an address on "Democracy at a Crossroads" at on March 2.

Thaksin has travelling around the world over the past five months attacking the military-backed government through his interviews with the international media.

Although Thaksin said he has quitted politics, critics billed his public relations blitz abroad, including the hiring of powerful lobbyist firms in the United States, as an attempt re establish his image and boost his international standing.

Thaksin's activity abroad has irritated the junta that ousted him in the September 19 coup.

The junta accused the ousted prime minister of massive corruption during his terms on the office.

The Nation

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/02/23...es_30027704.php

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

The International Institute For Strategic Studies

2 Mar 07 - Address - Dr Thaksin Shinawatra

On Friday 2 March 2007 Dr Thaksin Shinawatra, Former Prime Minister of Thailand, will give an address on "Democracy at a Crossroads" from 1pm.

Dr Thaksin Shinawatra is the former Prime Minister of Thailand and former leader of the Thai Rak Thai Party. Thaksin started his career in the Thai Police, later becoming a successful entrepreneur, establishing Shin Corporation and Advanced Info Service the largest mobile telephone operator in Thailand. He entered politics by joining the Phalang Dharma Party in 1994 and later founded the Thai Rak Thai (TRT) party in 1998.

After his election victory in 2001 he became Prime Minister of Thailand.

If you would like to attend this address, please RSVP Kathleen James on email [email protected] or tel. 020 7395 9109.

This event will be held on the 5th Floor, Arundel House, 13-15 Arundel Street, Temple Place, London WC2R 3DX.

http://www.iiss.org/index.asp?pgid=18370

Edited February 23, 2007 by Tony Clifton

[sriracha john]

"Enough is enough"

Ousted PM to speak at IISS in London

Deposed prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra will speak at the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), a London-based political-military think tank.

They''ll no doubt be quite disappointed when Elmer Fudd gets up and begins his bumbling, fumbling speech.

[sriracha john]

excerpts from:

Thaksin tells tribunal in writing he urged clean elections

... and will speak in London

Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra is scheduled to speak at the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), a London-based political-military think tank.

According to IISS's website, Thaksin will give an address on "Democracy at a Crossroads" in London next Friday.

Although Thaksin says he has quit politics, critics have seen his public-relations blitz abroad - including the hiring of powerful lobbyist firms in the United States - as an attempt re-establish his image and boost his international standing.

- The Nation

[sriracha john]

Thaksin to make speech at IISS in UK

Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra will make a speech at the UK-based International Institute For Strategic Studies in his capacity as former head of state, his legal aide said Sunday.

Noppadol Patama said Thaksin would not criticise the Council for National Security and would not touch "trivial political issues" in Thailand while giving the speech.

He said Thaksin would give a speech on "democracy at the crossroad".

"He will not harm the country in the speech but he will explain that democracy will return to Thailand soon. He will convince Europeans to return to invest in Thailand because nothing could replace democracy in the kingdom," Noppadol said.

The Nation

[Tony Clifton]

Well see about that.

Transcripts of all addresses given at the IISS can be downloaded afterwards as a .doc file at the following link.

http://www.iiss.org/conferences/recent-key-addresses

Thaksin is listed now but the .doc file will be available after March 2nd.

[John K]

Well a fall back to speeches, certainly a strategic move so the flow is all one way and no questions. I guess he does not like not being able to control the media.

I feel sorry for the people unless the true intent is observe the strategy of how Thaksin lies. Hence more of a demonstration and not a speech. I am sure they are following what is ahead for Thaksin so perhaps a lesson on what not to do.

[sriracha john]

Well a fall back to speeches, certainly a strategic move so the flow is all one way and no questions. I guess he does not like not being able to control the media.

I feel sorry for the people unless the true intent is observe the strategy of how Thaksin lies. Hence more of a demonstration and not a speech. I am sure they are following what is ahead for Thaksin so perhaps a lesson on what not to do.

There's still the potential for Thakky to look monkey-ish...

Reviewing some of the previous speakers at IGSS reveals that many had a Q & A session following their addresses to the organization. For example, the Prime Minister of Malaysia, the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Kuwait, and the President of the Republic of Poland..., all same same with Q & A's, however, not all addresses had Q & A time afterwards.

Additionally.... a couple of the addresses and Q & A sessions were even "streamed live." So the potential is there to not only read his BS, but to see and hear Elmer Fudd speak it live.

Edited February 26, 2007 by sriracha john

[sriracha john]

Thaksin's hired guns

Former premier Thaksin Shinawatra was still employing a US lobbying firm despite no further comments to the press recently, Democrat Party executive Korbsak Sabhavasu wrote on his website.

Barbour Griffith and Rogers, the lobbying firm Thaksin hired before the coup, reported to the US Congress on February 14 that Thaksin had paid it US$160,000 (Bt5.7 million) from last September 7 to the end of the year, Korbsak said at www.korbsak.com.

- The Nation

[Tony Clifton]

Sonthi L. had promised that he'd keep an eye on him until he died, wherever he went, promised kept.

Well, as usual, Thaksin's mouth keeps spewing garbage faster than his brain can send a signal to shut it.

Seen on ASTV this evening.

Thaksin was filmed today in London, gesticulating and speaking to a few Thais, either in his hotel lobby or the IISS lobby. I caught some of it and it was translated to me but it went along something like this. He was complaining to them that he had wanted Sonthi L. arrested and prosecuted but that Prem kept interfering by ordering police and the courts not to intervene, also saying that as PM his hands were tied because of these interventions (from a charismatic person?) and could not run the country as he wanted, blah blah blah... A Thai woman standing next to him was saying that Thais are stupid for believing all that was said against him, she had a similar opinion of Thai students.

It's funny that someone could stand right in front of him and film the whole thing, probably an ASTV reporter sent over to listen to his speech today.

By the way his speech will be available as a .doc file, maybe even a streaming video of the address and Q&A session at the following address within the next few days. See it here.

Edited March 2, 2007 by Tony Clifton

[John K]

Tony, last night it was listed on the IISS, but today all mention has been removed. Perhaps an update or just a purge.

[John K]

Thaksin again vows to stay out of politics

(BangkokPost.com from reports) - Ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, in a London speech, repeated he has no immediate plans to return to Thailand or to politics.

He spoke on the virtues of democracy at the International Institute for Strategic Studies in London.

He repeated, as before, that he does not see the possibility of entering politics again.

"I have no ambition to go back to politics," he said. "Serving the country for six years is enough for me."

Mr Thaksin was ousted last Sept 19 in a military coup, and his administration is under investigation for possible corruption.

He said he thinks the military government installed in Thailand after he was overthrown will hold elections this year as promised, and he has offered to help the reconciliation process "in any way I can."

Mr Thaksin said he will stay abroad "for a while" because he wants to give the ruling junta time to reconcile the country.

"Reconciliation is like clapping hands ... you cannot clap with one hand or by putting one hand far away. So every party concerned must sit down and help each other," he said.

His message to the Thai leadership was: "Whatever I can (do to) be beneficial in reconciliation, let me know. I believe reconciliation in Thailand will happen soon."

[Grover]

He said he thinks the military government installed in Thailand after he was overthrown will hold elections this year as promised, and he has offered to help the reconciliation process "in any way I can."

Mr Thaksin said he will stay abroad "for a while" because he wants to give the ruling junta time to reconcile the country. :D

His message to the Thai leadership was: "Whatever I can (do to) be beneficial in reconciliation, let me know. I believe reconciliation in Thailand will happen soon."

slimy bugger

[brahmburgers]

He's lied so often before, I don't believe a thing he says.

[Tony Clifton]

Tony, last night it was listed on the IISS, but today all mention has been removed. Perhaps an update or just a purge.

Indeed he was still listed last night.

Strange, past guests, all the way back to 2002, are still all listed under RECENT KEY ADDRESES but Thaksin has now been removed from the section. He may reappear under there if and once they publish his speech.

There is still a short mention of him under Home events/calendar/This Month/Address - Dr Thaksin Shinawatra

http://www.iiss.org/index.asp?pgid=18370

[John K]

Tony if I were to guess, I would say that because of all the issues with Thaksin going on in Thailand and indictments, having him speak may damage the view the public has of the IISS. It would be a bit like having Saddam Hussein at the podium speaking about how to put down people he does not like. That is just a gut feeling, however it may be as simple as it is Friday night there and the webmaster may have went out for a pint. I guess the next 72 hours will tell.

[younghusband]

Tony if I were to guess, I would say that because of all the issues with Thaksin going on in Thailand and indictments, having him speak may damage the view the public has of the IISS. It would be a bit like having Saddam Hussein at the podium speaking about how to put down people he does not like. That is just a gut feeling, however it may be as simple as it is Friday night there and the webmaster may have went out for a pint. I guess the next 72 hours will tell.

Are you living in a complete fantasy land? The public has no view of IISS one way or the other:It's just an obscure London based strategic think tank.The world at large has no particular interest in Thai politics at all.For those outside Thailand who do take a specialist interest, the disapproval rightly or wrongly is mostly levelled at the current junta not Thaksin.

I accept that the bone headed anti-Thaksin mob on this forum will never "get it", and will continue to put Thaksin on a level with Saddam Hussein.The murderous drug war is always the example they cite notwithstanding its almost universal support among Thais from the very top (sic) downwards.Oddly enough the anti-Thaksin mob is strangely quiet on Thaksin's murderous policies in the South, even to the extent of suggesting he wasn't ruthless enough.

Still it's quite amusing to think of these guys waiting over their computers this weekend for the IISS to post the Thaksin presentation."Why don't you get a life?" is not an expression I use very often but by God it applies to these guys.

[Grover]

Tony if I were to guess, I would say that because of all the issues with Thaksin going on in Thailand and indictments, having him speak may damage the view the public has of the IISS. It would be a bit like having Saddam Hussein at the podium speaking about how to put down people he does not like. That is just a gut feeling, however it may be as simple as it is Friday night there and the webmaster may have went out for a pint. I guess the next 72 hours will tell.

Are you living in a complete fantasy land? The public has no view of IISS one way or the other:It's just an obscure London based strategic think tank.The world at large has no particular interest in Thai politics at all.For those outside Thailand who do take a specialist interest, the disapproval rightly or wrongly is mostly levelled at the current junta not Thaksin.

I accept that the bone headed anti-Thaksin mob on this forum will never "get it", and will continue to put Thaksin on a level with Saddam Hussein.The murderous drug war is always the example they cite notwithstanding its almost universal support among Thais from the very top (sic) downwards.Oddly enough the anti-Thaksin mob is strangely quiet on Thaksin's murderous policies in the South, even to the extent of suggesting he wasn't ruthless enough.

Still it's quite amusing to think of these guys waiting over their computers this weekend for the IISS to post the Thaksin presentation."Why don't you get a life?" is not an expression I use very often but by God it applies to these guys.

forgot to have your cup of coffee this morning eh ?

[JacknDanny]

Tony if I were to guess, I would say that because of all the issues with Thaksin going on in Thailand and indictments, having him speak may damage the view the public has of the IISS. It would be a bit like having Saddam Hussein at the podium speaking about how to put down people he does not like. That is just a gut feeling, however it may be as simple as it is Friday night there and the webmaster may have went out for a pint. I guess the next 72 hours will tell.

Are you living in a complete fantasy land? The public has no view of IISS one way or the other:It's just an obscure London based strategic think tank.The world at large has no particular interest in Thai politics at all.For those outside Thailand who do take a specialist interest, the disapproval rightly or wrongly is mostly levelled at the current junta not Thaksin.

I accept that the bone headed anti-Thaksin mob on this forum will never "get it", and will continue to put Thaksin on a level with Saddam Hussein.The murderous drug war is always the example they cite notwithstanding its almost universal support among Thais from the very top (sic) downwards.Oddly enough the anti-Thaksin mob is strangely quiet on Thaksin's murderous policies in the South, even to the extent of suggesting he wasn't ruthless enough.

Still it's quite amusing to think of these guys waiting over their computers this weekend for the IISS to post the Thaksin presentation."Why don't you get a life?" is not an expression I use very often but by God it applies to these guys.

Get a Life....mmm

From someone who gets off on abusing and flaming at every opportunity, without making sense in anything he says.

G'Day younghusband another pearl of wisdom

[John K]

Well I guess I should have dropped a smile in my post, it was meant in a light hearted way seeing as I suggested the webmaster may be out on the town.

[JacknDanny]

Tony if I were to guess, I would say that because of all the issues with Thaksin going on in Thailand and indictments, having him speak may damage the view the public has of the IISS. It would be a bit like having Saddam Hussein at the podium speaking about how to put down people he does not like. That is just a gut feeling, however it may be as simple as it is Friday night there and the webmaster may have went out for a pint. I guess the next 72 hours will tell.

Are you living in a complete fantasy land? The public has no view of IISS one way or the other:It's just an obscure London based strategic think tank.The world at large has no particular interest in Thai politics at all.For those outside Thailand who do take a specialist interest, the disapproval rightly or wrongly is mostly levelled at the current junta not Thaksin.

I accept that the bone headed anti-Thaksin mob on this forum will never "get it", and will continue to put Thaksin on a level with Saddam Hussein.The murderous drug war is always the example they cite notwithstanding its almost universal support among Thais from the very top (sic) downwards.Oddly enough the anti-Thaksin mob is strangely quiet on Thaksin's murderous policies in the South, even to the extent of suggesting he wasn't ruthless enough.

Still it's quite amusing to think of these guys waiting over their computers this weekend for the IISS to post the Thaksin presentation."Why don't you get a life?" is not an expression I use very often but by God it applies to these guys.

By the way younghusband, your statement above is another example of you trying to mislead people on this forum.

Your quote........"Its just an obscure London based strategic think tank" referring to IISS

Reality is that IISS is the worlds leading authority on political/military conflict.

They have offices in London, Singapore and The United States.

Please get your facts right or contact ColPyat who will advise you which book to research and read

[younghusband]

Tony if I were to guess, I would say that because of all the issues with Thaksin going on in Thailand and indictments, having him speak may damage the view the public has of the IISS. It would be a bit like having Saddam Hussein at the podium speaking about how to put down people he does not like. That is just a gut feeling, however it may be as simple as it is Friday night there and the webmaster may have went out for a pint. I guess the next 72 hours will tell.

Are you living in a complete fantasy land? The public has no view of IISS one way or the other:It's just an obscure London based strategic think tank.The world at large has no particular interest in Thai politics at all.For those outside Thailand who do take a specialist interest, the disapproval rightly or wrongly is mostly levelled at the current junta not Thaksin.

I accept that the bone headed anti-Thaksin mob on this forum will never "get it", and will continue to put Thaksin on a level with Saddam Hussein.The murderous drug war is always the example they cite notwithstanding its almost universal support among Thais from the very top (sic) downwards.Oddly enough the anti-Thaksin mob is strangely quiet on Thaksin's murderous policies in the South, even to the extent of suggesting he wasn't ruthless enough.

Still it's quite amusing to think of these guys waiting over their computers this weekend for the IISS to post the Thaksin presentation."Why don't you get a life?" is not an expression I use very often but by God it applies to these guys.

Get a Life....mmm

From someone who gets off on abusing and flaming at every opportunity, without making sense in anything he says.

G'Day younghusband another pearl of wisdom

Once again a post with zero substance.Why don't we just agree you object to any opinion I put forward.That way you can spend your time more profitably and the forum is spared your rather commonplace thoughts.

I don't really know why you follow me around since you never make substantive contributions, probably because you don't know Thailand that well.I don't mind intelligent disagreement at all, but you operate on the boo sucks level alone.Perhaps you are still smarting from the exposure of your hypocrisy when after several posts condemning Thaksin's drug war, you then voluntereed you would like to kill drug dealers with your own hands.Ah well, against stupidity, the Gods themselves struggle in vain.

[younghusband]

Tony if I were to guess, I would say that because of all the issues with Thaksin going on in Thailand and indictments, having him speak may damage the view the public has of the IISS. It would be a bit like having Saddam Hussein at the podium speaking about how to put down people he does not like. That is just a gut feeling, however it may be as simple as it is Friday night there and the webmaster may have went out for a pint. I guess the next 72 hours will tell.

Are you living in a complete fantasy land? The public has no view of IISS one way or the other:It's just an obscure London based strategic think tank.The world at large has no particular interest in Thai politics at all.For those outside Thailand who do take a specialist interest, the disapproval rightly or wrongly is mostly levelled at the current junta not Thaksin.

I accept that the bone headed anti-Thaksin mob on this forum will never "get it", and will continue to put Thaksin on a level with Saddam Hussein.The murderous drug war is always the example they cite notwithstanding its almost universal support among Thais from the very top (sic) downwards.Oddly enough the anti-Thaksin mob is strangely quiet on Thaksin's murderous policies in the South, even to the extent of suggesting he wasn't ruthless enough.

Still it's quite amusing to think of these guys waiting over their computers this weekend for the IISS to post the Thaksin presentation."Why don't you get a life?" is not an expression I use very often but by God it applies to these guys.

By the way younghusband, your statement above is another example of you trying to mislead people on this forum.

Your quote........"Its just an obscure London based strategic think tank" referring to IISS

Reality is that IISS is the worlds leading authority on political/military conflict.

They have offices in London, Singapore and The United States.

Please get your facts right or contact ColPyat who will advise you which book to research and read

Well that's a bit better since you are making a substantive comment, even if not quite accurate.IISS is London based and it is a matter of opinion whether it is obscure compared to say Chatham House.I would suggest that most educated Brits would not have heard of it, but your opinion is valid notwithstanding it is probably dependent on some frantic googling.

Incidentally in relation to your comment on ColPyat, I am actually always pleased when someone recommends a relevant book or piece of research.

[Asian Frog]

By the way younghusband, your statement above is another example of you trying to mislead people on this forum.

Your quote........"Its just an obscure London based strategic think tank" referring to IISS

Reality is that IISS is the worlds leading authority on political/military conflict.

They have offices in London, Singapore and The United States.

Please get your facts right or contact ColPyat who will advise you which book to research and read

Well .....WORLD LEADING AUTHORITY??? Are they the advisers of Bush and Tony Blair???

[JacknDanny]

Tony if I were to guess, I would say that because of all the issues with Thaksin going on in Thailand and indictments, having him speak may damage the view the public has of the IISS. It would be a bit like having Saddam Hussein at the podium speaking about how to put down people he does not like. That is just a gut feeling, however it may be as simple as it is Friday night there and the webmaster may have went out for a pint. I guess the next 72 hours will tell.

Are you living in a complete fantasy land? The public has no view of IISS one way or the other:It's just an obscure London based strategic think tank.The world at large has no particular interest in Thai politics at all.For those outside Thailand who do take a specialist interest, the disapproval rightly or wrongly is mostly levelled at the current junta not Thaksin.

I accept that the bone headed anti-Thaksin mob on this forum will never "get it", and will continue to put Thaksin on a level with Saddam Hussein.The murderous drug war is always the example they cite notwithstanding its almost universal support among Thais from the very top (sic) downwards.Oddly enough the anti-Thaksin mob is strangely quiet on Thaksin's murderous policies in the South, even to the extent of suggesting he wasn't ruthless enough.

Still it's quite amusing to think of these guys waiting over their computers this weekend for the IISS to post the Thaksin presentation."Why don't you get a life?" is not an expression I use very often but by God it applies to these guys.

Get a Life....mmm

From someone who gets off on abusing and flaming at every opportunity, without making sense in anything he says.

G'Day younghusband another pearl of wisdom

Once again a post with zero substance.Why don't we just agree you object to any opinion I put forward.That way you can spend your time more profitably and the forum is spared your rather commonplace thoughts.

I don't really know why you follow me around since you never make substantive contributions, probably because you don't know Thailand that well.I don't mind intelligent disagreement at all, but you operate on the boo sucks level alone.Perhaps you are still smarting from the exposure of your hypocrisy when after several posts condemning Thaksin's drug war, you then voluntereed you would like to kill drug dealers with your own hands.Ah well, against stupidity, the Gods themselves struggle in vain.

I do object to every opinion that you put forward, so at least we agree on something.

I just see through your mask of pretending you are an educated individual, hence your forever posting condescending remarks!!

I never really understood keyboard warrior, now it makes a lot more sense.

Anyway I do not want to get involved in flame wars. You have been warned on many occasions, I will not therefore sink to your depths. I will get back to my 'working class' watching of the football. You continue with your tiffin old chap

[blaze]

Tony if I were to guess, I would say that because of all the issues with Thaksin going on in Thailand and indictments, having him speak may damage the view the public has of the IISS. It would be a bit like having Saddam Hussein at the podium speaking about how to put down people he does not like. That is just a gut feeling, however it may be as simple as it is Friday night there and the webmaster may have went out for a pint. I guess the next 72 hours will tell.

Are you living in a complete fantasy land? The public has no view of IISS one way or the other:It's just an obscure London based strategic think tank.The world at large has no particular interest in Thai politics at all.For those outside Thailand who do take a specialist interest, the disapproval rightly or wrongly is mostly levelled at the current junta not Thaksin.

I accept that the bone headed anti-Thaksin mob on this forum will never "get it", and will continue to put Thaksin on a level with Saddam Hussein.The murderous drug war is always the example they cite notwithstanding its almost universal support among Thais from the very top (sic) downwards.Oddly enough the anti-Thaksin mob is strangely quiet on Thaksin's murderous policies in the South, even to the extent of suggesting he wasn't ruthless enough.

Still it's quite amusing to think of these guys waiting over their computers this weekend for the IISS to post the Thaksin presentation."Why don't you get a life?" is not an expression I use very often but by God it applies to these guys.

Get a Life....mmm

From someone who gets off on abusing and flaming at every opportunity, without making sense in anything he says.

G'Day younghusband another pearl of wisdom

Once again a post with zero substance.Why don't we just agree you object to any opinion I put forward.That way you can spend your time more profitably and the forum is spared your rather commonplace thoughts.

I don't really know why you follow me around since you never make substantive contributions, probably because you don't know Thailand that well.I don't mind intelligent disagreement at all, but you operate on the boo sucks level alone.Perhaps you are still smarting from the exposure of your hypocrisy when after several posts condemning Thaksin's drug war, you then voluntereed you would like to kill drug dealers with your own hands.Ah well, against stupidity, the Gods themselves struggle in vain.

I do object to every opinion that you put forward, so at least we agree on something.

I just see through your mask of pretending you are an educated individual, hence your forever posting condescending remarks!!

I never really understood keyboard warrior, now it makes a lot more sense.

Anyway I do not want to get involved in flame wars. You have been warned on many occasions, I will not therefore sink to your depths. I will get back to my 'working class' watching of the football. You continue with your tiffin old chap

Given that you have chosen to participate in a subforum that invites political debate -wouldn't it be more in keeping with the nature of these debates (among adults at least) to actually argue to support your opinions rather than wait in the bushes for a chance to spit at those who attempt to do so?