Ousted Pm To Come Home

[hammered]

Good move and... good timing.

Thaksin will be able to play the "victim". He will arrive, humble, will go to pray in many temple, will make donations to monks, will tell the press that he is so happy to be back in his beloved country, and that he wants to "serve" his fellow people and to fight "injustice"...

His supporters are going to be thrilled.

Sonthi and Surayud seem to be in a trap.

Smooth move by a beloved PM.

Funny that most ordinary people in the market where I live are quite vocal that they would like to see him dead. I would seriously doubt that it would be a smooth move or that he would be easily able to walk around in public places like temples without a severe amount of security and restrictions on the public. Beloved is a word usually reserved for a certain other person in Thailand. Even in his up country strongholds where he retains a fair although far lesser than before degree of support the word beloved is not exactly what one hears from even quite ardent supporters.

A thousand apologies for using a "reserved" word. Perhaps you can suggest a more suitable expression -- and while you're at it, write to the Washington Post and explain to them that they're using the wrong terminology.

A bad bit of reporting that. I wont waste my time writing to a newspaper brought low by its own cheerleading of Bushs illegal invasion of Iraq if that is OK with you.

Even at the height of Thaksin fever the majority of those who voted for him liked rather than loved him. I will leave it to you to do the dictionary work on the difference. Love is something that most rural peopel seem to have for somebody else in Thailand. Spend some time in the poor villages. There are many myths surrounding the rural people of Thailand, and one of them is that they can all be categorized as in this very poor newspaper article or opinion piece whatever it is menat to be.

Peace.

[sriracha john]

Thaksin to return in February: Chalerm

Chalerm Yoobamrung, a party-list candidate of the People Power Party (PPP), said deposed premier Thaksin Shinawatra planned to return to Thailand in February to defend charges against him.

Chalerm said he would give more details about the Thaksin's plan In a PPP rally at Sanam Luang on December 21.

- The Nation

[sriracha john]

MP candidate: Thai former PM to return in February

BANGKOK -- A party member of Thailand's People Power Party (PPP) said on Thursday that the ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra planned to return to Thailand in February 2008.

Chalerm Yoobamrung, a Member of Parliament (MP) candidate of the PPP, was quoted by local news network The Nation as saying that Thaksin planned to return in February to defend charges against him.

Chalerm said he would give more details about Thaksin's plan during the PPP rally at Bangkok's Sanam Luang (the Royal Square) on Dec. 21, two days before the general election.

- Xinhua

[Ricardo]

MP candidate: Thai former PM to return in February

BANGKOK -- A party member of Thailand's People Power Party (PPP) said on Thursday that the ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra planned to return to Thailand in February 2008.

It is good that he now feels safe to return, have his day in court, and defend his past actions.

Chalerm Yoobamrung, a Member of Parliament (MP) candidate of the PPP, was quoted by local news network The Nation as saying that Thaksin planned to return in February to defend charges against him.

Chalerm said he would give more details about Thaksin's plan during the PPP rally at Bangkok's Sanam Luang (the Royal Square) on Dec. 21, two days before the general election.

- Xinhua

erm .. this is the same guy who, correct me if I'm wrong, has declared many times his having quit Thai politics, and who is banned by the EC from taking any role in Thai politics, for the next 5 years, for having conspired to rig the last election ? His reported actions don't quite seem to match his previous words - do they ?

Yet the PPP have been perceived to be front-runners, to win a straight election, just as TRT were.

So why can't Thaksin just stand aside - and let a straight election take place ? What drives him to interfere - when things are already going his way ? Can his ego possibly be so huge, that a victory without his active leadership & involvement & influence, is seen as no vistory at all ?

Edited December 14, 2007 by Ricardo

[steffi]

Have his day in court? You're joking right? I mean after the PPP win the election the judicial process will be joke and he'll be acquitted of all charges he's currently facing. Watch how the various committees and commissions change after PPP win the election.

Anybody that votes for a party that has Chalerm Yoobamrung as it's member deserves to suffer from the consequences.

Thaksin's name should not be used like this. The PPP is talking up their association with Thaksin to win votes and that alone should disqualify them as a party.

[hammered]

Have his day in court? You're joking right? I mean after the PPP win the election the judicial process will be joke and he'll be acquitted of all charges he's currently facing. Watch how the various committees and commissions change after PPP win the election.

Anybody that votes for a party that has Chalerm Yoobamrung as it's member deserves to suffer from the consequences.

Thaksin's name should not be used like this. The PPP is talking up their association with Thaksin to win votes and that alone should disqualify them as a party.

That is generally the reason the PPP was set up and funded and not really disputed even by its own people.

[sibeymai]

Thaksin's coming ?????

So's the end of the world.

Wonder which will arrive first.

Edited December 14, 2007 by sibeymai

[hammered]

Thaksin's coming ?????

So's the end of the world.

Wonder which will arrive first.

well barring any unforseen accidents to one and unless we are not being told the full horrors of the impact of climate change Id guess that is easy to answer.

[John K]

Have his day in court? You're joking right? I mean after the PPP win the election the judicial process will be joke and he'll be acquitted of all charges he's currently facing. Watch how the various committees and commissions change after PPP win the election.

Anybody that votes for a party that has Chalerm Yoobamrung as it's member deserves to suffer from the consequences.

Thaksin's name should not be used like this. The PPP is talking up their association with Thaksin to win votes and that alone should disqualify them as a party.

Although the high courts are preforming admirably, the lower courts seem to still be tea money oriented. I have seen at least 3 examples in the last 2 months that clearly suggest this. I would tend to think the same therapy that worked for the higher courts would also work for the lower courts as it does involve the face of the therapist.

[sriracha john]

Thaksin to monitor election from Hong Kong

Thaksin Shinawatra will be monitoring the Dec 23 election, possibly from Hong Kong, according to his legal adviser, Noppadon Pattama. Noppadon also hinted that Thaksin could be arriving in Asia from the UK where he has been in self-imposed exile between Dec 19-20 and said that he will most likely choose Hong Kong as his base to monitor the election in Thailand. "The main reason behind Thaksin's decision to visit Asia is to listen to PPP member Chalerm Yubamroong's speech on Dec 21," Noppadon said. "It's believed he will also inform the public when Thaksin is due to return to Thailand."

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=124469

[Tony Clifton]

Thaksin to monitor election from Hong Kong

Thaksin Shinawatra will be monitoring the Dec 23 election, possibly from Hong Kong, according to his legal adviser, Noppadon Pattama. Noppadon also hinted that Thaksin could be arriving in Asia from the UK where he has been in self-imposed exile between Dec 19-20 and said that he will most likely choose Hong Kong as his base to monitor the election in Thailand. "The main reason behind Thaksin's decision to visit Asia is to listen to PPP member Chalerm Yubamroong's speech on Dec 21," Noppadon said. "It's believed he will also inform the public when Thaksin is due to return to Thailand."

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=124469

Is he under some form of surveillance in London?

Or is he playing it safe, getting ready to interfere with the elections on a grander scale but doesn't want to do it from his UK hideout and somehow compromise his stay there?

There is a reason other than monitoring the election from Hong Kong with his 20 or so cell phones. Blacklisted in China, Honk Kong will give him the boot next, just watch. The stubborn prick just doesn't listen or care and takes the right to hold his secret meetings wherever he pleases.

Edited December 16, 2007 by Tony Clifton

[hammered]

Thaksin to monitor election from Hong Kong

Thaksin Shinawatra will be monitoring the Dec 23 election, possibly from Hong Kong, according to his legal adviser, Noppadon Pattama. Noppadon also hinted that Thaksin could be arriving in Asia from the UK where he has been in self-imposed exile between Dec 19-20 and said that he will most likely choose Hong Kong as his base to monitor the election in Thailand. "The main reason behind Thaksin's decision to visit Asia is to listen to PPP member Chalerm Yubamroong's speech on Dec 21," Noppadon said. "It's believed he will also inform the public when Thaksin is due to return to Thailand."

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=124469

Is he under some form of surveillance in London?

Or is he playing it safe, getting ready to interfere with the elections on a grander scale but doesn't want to do it from his UK hideout and somehow compromise his stay there?

There is a reason other than monitoring the election from Hong Kong with his 20 or so cell phones. Blacklisted in China, Honk Kong will give him the boot next, just watch. The stubborn prick just doesn't listen or care and takes the right to hold his secret meetings wherever he pleases.

Its easier tio give oreders from HK, and itr is easier for his trusted and principled lieutenants like Chalerm, Yuth and Newin to visit and return quickly. etc

[sriracha john]

Ousted PM Thaksin Shinawatra to watch Thai vote from Hong Kong - lawyer

BANGKOK - Ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra will keep tabs on this weekend's general elections in Thailand, the first since last year's coup forced him out of power, from Hong Kong, his lawyer said Monday.

Thaksin is expected to travel to Hong Kong for a business trip. He was to arrive by Thursday, his lawyer Noppadon Pattama said.

Since the topple of his government in September 2006, the billionaire politico has been living in self-imposed exile in Britain, where he has bought the Manchester City football club.

Noppadon insisted that Thaksin was not coming to Asia just to monitor the Thai elections on Sunday, but acknowledged that being in the region would make it easier for him to follow news about the vote.

'He can get news wherever he stays, but of course the short distance is better,' he said.

- AFP

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

Indeed, the speed at which internet news or telephone communications or other media is transferred is quite slow so that every km closer can be critically important and save hours of waiting.

Edited December 17, 2007 by sriracha john

[Tony Clifton]

A liiitle closer and he can hear the report from a sniper.

[tropo]

Indeed, the speed at which internet news or telephone communications or other media is transferred is quite slow so that every km closer can be critically important and save hours of waiting.

Did you consider the time zones?

[tropo]

*deleted*

Edited December 17, 2007 by tropo

[sriracha john]

Indeed, the speed at which internet news or telephone communications or other media is transferred is quite slow so that every km closer can be critically important and save hours of waiting.

Did you consider the time zones?

No need to... unless getting his beauty sleep during the hours immediately after the polls close is all that important. Frankly, the way he's been aging rapidly and how he's been looking these past few months, it's not worth the trouble.

[John K]

Noppadon’s statement about Thaksin is very incriminating. First Thaksin should have nothing more than a passing interest in the elections. The suggestion that Thaksin is coming to closer proximity can only be read as involvement where he is banned from having any. There is no excuse at all to be in Hong Kong that holds any water. Even a business meeting is very weak. I am sure when pressed the meeting will simply be just a lie.

[sriracha john]

RACE TO PARLIAMENT

Key People Power party (PPP) member Pol Capt Chalerm Yubamrung promised supporters at a rally at Sanam Luang that ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra would return to the country on Valentine's Day, Feb 14, if the pro-Thaksin party was elected to government. Chalerm said he talked to Thaksin on the phone on Thursday. The ousted prime minister told him he would not return to Thailand if the PPP did not win more than half of the 480 House seats tomorrow and could not form the government. However, if the PPP won a majority and led the new government, he would return on Feb 14, Chalerm told party supporters.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.net/News/22Dec2007_news01.php

[steffi]

Something has to be done about using Thaksin's name to win votes. This is just a complete violation of the rules. So Thaksin won't return unless a friendly government is in a place that's prepared to drop all the charges against him and his family. Doesn't sound at all guilty of high crimes and misdemeanors to me.

Based on the comments by Chalerm the PPP should be disolved but he knows that that cannot happen as it will look like an attempt to rig the election so he knows he has nothing to lose but to go out there and make these kinds of statements.

RACE TO PARLIAMENT

Key People Power party (PPP) member Pol Capt Chalerm Yubamrung promised supporters at a rally at Sanam Luang that ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra would return to the country on Valentine's Day, Feb 14, if the pro-Thaksin party was elected to government. Chalerm said he talked to Thaksin on the phone on Thursday. The ousted prime minister told him he would not return to Thailand if the PPP did not win more than half of the 480 House seats tomorrow and could not form the government. However, if the PPP won a majority and led the new government, he would return on Feb 14, Chalerm told party supporters.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.net/News/22Dec2007_news01.php

[hammered]

Noppadon’s statement about Thaksin is very incriminating. First Thaksin should have nothing more than a passing interest in the elections. The suggestion that Thaksin is coming to closer proximity can only be read as involvement where he is banned from having any. There is no excuse at all to be in Hong Kong that holds any water. Even a business meeting is very weak. I am sure when pressed the meeting will simply be just a lie.

Even his most ardent supporters would not deny Mr. T has a massive pecuniary interest in the election result. We all like to watch the horse we have bet our fortune on! We all like to get the best ringside seat we can.

[ando]

If Thaksin took to the streets with armed soldiers and tanks and stormed parliament with machine gun armed soldiers I am sure the majority of Thais would approve. But yet, he takes a trip to Hong Kong and his opponents get all flustered and sweaty under the collar. Could it be that those squirming in their seats are nervous about the outcome tomorrow?

[cm-happy]

Hasn't Mr. "T" made enough enemies here with power and influence that knows how to "fix" the Taksin problem permanently and forever.

[hammered]

If Thaksin took to the streets with armed soldiers and tanks and stormed parliament with machine gun armed soldiers I am sure the majority of Thais would approve. But yet, he takes a trip to Hong Kong and his opponents get all flustered and sweaty under the collar. Could it be that those squirming in their seats are nervous about the outcome tomorrow?

Im sure lots of people will be squirming and flustered about what happens tomorrow. It is all rather unpredictable. I am also sure Mr. Thaksin want s to make sure that none of his proxies make any crazy statements. While Surapong and Yuth know the score, Samak and Chalerm and Newin can be loose cannons.

It is time for people to calm down and realise whatever happens, in the cold light of day things have to move forward. Maybe after the vote and a few hopefully not too many red cards and some coalition nogotiations if necessary we will get to see some progress. Maybe a deal has already even been done. Certainly at the moment it seems Matchima and Puea Pandin are suffering more from court cases than PPP.

[ukjackthai]

Imo, it's only a matter of time before a JFK job gets put over his head. He has "displeased" a lot of high-ranking officials to say the least.

I'm hoping sooner rather than later. I wonder how many billions of baht he obtained through deceit... and then i look at Tony Blair.

Welcome to Thailand.

[ando]

Hasn't Mr. "T" made enough enemies here with power and influence that knows how to "fix" the Taksin problem permanently and forever.

That solution of political assassination can be applied by any party or political pressure group unfortunately.

Political assinations are on par with military coups and interference in the judiciary as the greatest threat to democracy in any country.

Anyone who suggests any of the above means mentioned above are a solution to political disputes does not have a fundamental belief in democracy.

Are you suggesting the junta should make it 3 out of 3?

[ukjackthai]

Hasn't Mr. "T" made enough enemies here with power and influence that knows how to "fix" the Taksin problem permanently and forever.

...

Political assinations are on par with military coups and interference in the judiciary as the greatest threat to democracy in any country.

Anyone who suggests any of the above means mentioned above are a solution to political disputes does not have a fundamental belief in democracy.

...

But if the majority of the educated nation feels that Khun Shinawatr should be disposed of is that not a belief of egalitarianism?

You may call me prejudiced because It is my belief that only educated persons should have political rights.

[blaze]

Hasn't Mr. "T" made enough enemies here with power and influence that knows how to "fix" the Taksin problem permanently and forever.

...

Political assinations are on par with military coups and interference in the judiciary as the greatest threat to democracy in any country.

Anyone who suggests any of the above means mentioned above are a solution to political disputes does not have a fundamental belief in democracy.

...

But if the majority of the educated nation feels that Khun Shinawatr should be disposed of is that not a belief of egalitarianism?

You may call me prejudiced because It is my belief that only educated persons should have political rights.

An educated person would understand that the thai 'educated' class is, by and large, one with the Thai wealthy class- and that the opposition that many of them have to Thaksin is not based on some lofty ideological abstractions- it is based on the threat that they perceive to their own priviledge should the poor majority in this country ever become a viable political force: ANY polititian who seeks to mobilize this relatively inert mass - is going to face the hostility of the 'educated' (read 'rich') minority.

THat is the threat Thaksin posed. And continues to pose. Whether or not the perceived threat is a real threat is beside the point.

There ARE educated people who come from money and see the writing and injustice on the wall- you will not hear them given a lot of press time in the (moneyed) media. It doesn't mean they don't exist though.

It is always fascinating that those who make similar pleas for rule by the educated elite- consistently demonstrate their own lack of education regarding the nature of elites in developing countries.

[ukjackthai]

Hasn't Mr. "T" made enough enemies here with power and influence that knows how to "fix" the Taksin problem permanently and forever.

...

Political assinations are on par with military coups and interference in the judiciary as the greatest threat to democracy in any country.

Anyone who suggests any of the above means mentioned above are a solution to political disputes does not have a fundamental belief in democracy.

...

But if the majority of the educated nation feels that Khun Shinawatr should be disposed of is that not a belief of egalitarianism?

You may call me prejudiced because It is my belief that only educated persons should have political rights.

An educated person would understand that the thai 'educated' class is, by and large, one with the Thai wealthy class- and that the opposition that many of them have to Thaksin is not based on some lofty ideological abstractions- it is based on the threat that they perceive to their own priviledge should the poor majority in this country ever become a viable political force: ANY polititian who seeks to mobilize this relatively inert mass - is going to face the hostility of the 'educated' (read 'rich') minority.

THat is the threat Thaksin posed. And continues to pose. Whether or not the perceived threat is a real threat is beside the point.

There ARE educated people who come from money and see the writing and injustice on the wall- you will not hear them given a lot of press time in the (moneyed) media. It doesn't mean they don't exist though.

It is always fascinating that those who make similar pleas for rule by the educated elite- consistently demonstrate their own lack of education regarding the nature of elites in developing countries.

Please, Sir, "cut the crap" and get straight to the point. Are you articulating that only the wealthy are educated in my country? Or that I "demonstrate" a lack of education?

In my opinion, the majority of votes that are counted are from bribed farmers in the deep north.

[sriracha john]

Thaksin 'to return to Thailand in February'

OUSTED prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra will return to Thailand for the first time since last year's coup on February 14, after a new government is installed, according to one of his political allies.

"Thaksin told me that he is not yet ready to return, and that he would rather wait for the installment of the new prime minister and cabinet. He will return on February 14," Deputy Leader of the People Power Party Chalerm Yoobamrung told a cheering rally.

Chalerm said that Thaksin was currently in Macau. The PPP had earlier said the Thaksin would monitor the elections from Hong Kong.

- AFP

Edited December 22, 2007 by sriracha john