Thaksin's Live Performance June 15, 2007

[Mid]

I also noted a change in what they are calling the rally. It has gone from being called anti junta to pro Thaksin rally.

Anti-coup alliance submit demand for junta to resign

June 17, 2007 : Last updated 01:13 pm (Thai local time)

The leaders of the Democratic Alliance Against Dictators Sunday submitted a demand for the Council for National Security to resign and hold a snap election.

The alliance leaders led by former judge Manit Jitchankrab submitted their demand letter to Army secretary Maj Gen Wiran Chanthasat at the Army headquarters at 10:40 am.

The letter demanded the CNS to reinstate the 1997 constitution and hold an election immediately.

The alliance also called on the CNS leaders to participate in a public debate with the alliance leaders.

The Nation

[sriracha john]

Desperate man resorting to desperate measures

Thaksin Shinawatra, deposed from the premiership by a military coup last September, will not abandon his bid to regain power.

Now the stakes are much higher: he has to regain his massive wealth, which was frozen together with that of his family members.

Even more vital is his struggle to evade the arm of the law for misconduct in public office, financial shenanigans and other misdeeds putting him on par with corrupt politicians and white-collar criminals.

In a strong message on huge video screens at Sanam Luang to please his frenzied admirers, paid or otherwise, Thaksin made it clear that he intends to fight on at any cost, while also trying to fool the naive and gullible that he and his family are merely victims in a scheme to oust him from power and strip them of their great fortune.

All along Thaksin has told people, particularly those in the government and the Council for National Security, that he was giving up politics and would spend the rest of his life as an ordinary person who accepts a forced political exile. But sizeable funds have been channelled clandestinely to cronies to arouse the public to rally against the CNS and create an unstable political environment.

Listening to Thaksin's speech on Friday night required extra attention and sharp minds, to understand what has become of him after losing power. Clearly there were symptoms of mood swings, a mixture of melancholy, acceptance of fate and signs of capitulation.

As the minutes ticked away, his mood changed. Then it was a Thaksin full of the usual bravado and tough talk, with a lot of ill-concealed vengefulness for the day he could get even and punish those who caused his suffering and damaged stature as a politician who betrayed the trust of fellow countrymen.

The mood swings and the signs of incoherence should give shrinks a formidable challenge. During his press conference in Tokyo, the pouches under his eyes had two layers, instead of just one as seen immediately after his loss of power. These big under-eye bags are signs of tension and worry, hard thinking and an inner fight to retain sensibility.

Whatever Thaksin said all boiled down to the fact that he has no intention to cease and desist from attempting to regain power. The dissolution of the CNS would also invalidate other agencies that investigate and prosecute his wrongdoing. Long known as a vindictive and vengeful man, Thaksin can bide his time while ensuring that the rural grass-roots people can still be enticed to support him in return for financial handouts.

Politicians are known to be addicted to power. If uncontrolled, some could become power-mad and go to any lengths for self-preservation. Never mind the damage caused to the motherland, as long as one looks good and stays away from trial in the criminal courts.

So it was not surprising to hear that Thaksin has commissioned a high-profile lobbyist firm to fight on his behalf, such as seeking help from the United Nations to restore his status - much like former Haitian leader Jean-Bertrand Aristide until his true colours showed and he lost power again.

Though the huge assets from the sale of Shin Corp stocks to Temasek Holdings are frozen, Thaksin and his family members still have access to massive wealth stashed abroad, including a sizeable amount in a bank on Orchard Road in Singapore. The Bt40 billion frozen represents a fraction of the family's great fortune amassed through questionable means while their rule was unchallenged.

Now that corruption cases with Thaksin and family members as the prime accused will soon be processed in the courts, the public can expect increasing intensity of protests and possible violence from his admirers. These protesters have already confirmed their tendency to provoke law-enforcement authorities to crack down on them with strong-arm measures so that they get an excuse to go to extremes, such as rioting.

Thaksin's last line of defence is to seek political asylum in a country of his choice - which would be England. The grass-roots people should know that while their political patron and idol is abroad croaking about hardship, he has spent billions of baht in acquiring plush residences in prime locations in London and elsewhere with the immense power of his money.

The ruckus over his plan to purchase English soccer club Manchester City was just a ploy to keep himself in the news, using the British and Thai press for free advertisement after fooling Temasek Holdings into a mega bum deal.

His bid to seek asylum status is to block the arm of Thai law from dragging him to trial session for high crimes. If the government and the CNS want to contain Thaksin's continued attempts to stir up trouble, the most effective weapon is to instruct the Anti-Money Laundering Office to seek cooperation from its foreign counterparts to track down and freeze his family's assets.

As a man involved in the laundering of money stolen from the public, it will be difficult for Thaksin to find open arms and a hearty welcome wherever he goes. After all, money laundering is a high crime detested by law-enforcement authorities worldwide.

Come to think of it, it will be quite interesting to see which national leader is still willing to consort with a notorious criminal and welcome him for afternoon tea.

- The Nation

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

nice summary of current events...

[rychrde]

London has been the magnet for all the world's newly rich for decades. It is welcoming, safe, the banks love the money and they are all discrete. That's why house prices are higher than in Monaco. I don't see the UK handing over Mr T any time soon.

And as for money laundering, that really depends on one's banker friends. Mr T just needs to know who not to piss off, which does not include the junta.

rych

[hammered]

Thai Government Reaches Out to Thaksin

BANGKOK, Thailand (AP) - Thailand's military-installed government offered Saturday to negotiate with ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra over his recently frozen assets, as thousands of people protested in support of the former leader.

Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont said Thaksin was welcome to come return to Thailand

``I am ready to negotiate,'' Surayud said in an interview with a government-owned television station. ``An important issue which Thaksin wants to negotiate will be about his assets and family.''

Rest of the story from the Guardian at:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/worldlatest/stor...6715147,00.html

As someone who lives here, I have to say I welcome this, and hope we can move to negotiations rather than the brinksmanship we currently see.

[hammered]

Is this more evidence of a move to negotiations?

Selective amnesty mulled

NLA members consider proposing bill to grant amnesty to 'clearly innocent' Thai Rak Thai executives

Prominent members of the National Legislative Assembly will push for an amnesty bill to return electoral rights to some executives of the Thai Rak Thai party and other small parties convicted of breaching election laws. Surapol Nittikraipoj, who is also Thammasat University rector, said the amnesty proposal, which will exclude party leaders and other key party members who were directly involved in electoral fraud, is meant to cool down political tensions and bring about reconciliation among the public.

rets of the story from the BKK Post at:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/17Jun2007_news00.php

[chownah]

Desperate man resorting to desperate measures

Thaksin Shinawatra, deposed from the premiership by a military coup last September, will not abandon his bid to regain power.

Now the stakes are much higher: he has to regain his massive wealth, which was frozen together with that of his family members.

Even more vital is his struggle to evade the arm of the law for misconduct in public office, financial shenanigans and other misdeeds putting him on par with corrupt politicians and white-collar criminals.

In a strong message on huge video screens at Sanam Luang to please his frenzied admirers, paid or otherwise, Thaksin made it clear that he intends to fight on at any cost, while also trying to fool the naive and gullible that he and his family are merely victims in a scheme to oust him from power and strip them of their great fortune.

All along Thaksin has told people, particularly those in the government and the Council for National Security, that he was giving up politics and would spend the rest of his life as an ordinary person who accepts a forced political exile. But sizeable funds have been channelled clandestinely to cronies to arouse the public to rally against the CNS and create an unstable political environment.

Listening to Thaksin's speech on Friday night required extra attention and sharp minds, to understand what has become of him after losing power. Clearly there were symptoms of mood swings, a mixture of melancholy, acceptance of fate and signs of capitulation.

As the minutes ticked away, his mood changed. Then it was a Thaksin full of the usual bravado and tough talk, with a lot of ill-concealed vengefulness for the day he could get even and punish those who caused his suffering and damaged stature as a politician who betrayed the trust of fellow countrymen.

The mood swings and the signs of incoherence should give shrinks a formidable challenge. During his press conference in Tokyo, the pouches under his eyes had two layers, instead of just one as seen immediately after his loss of power. These big under-eye bags are signs of tension and worry, hard thinking and an inner fight to retain sensibility.

Whatever Thaksin said all boiled down to the fact that he has no intention to cease and desist from attempting to regain power. The dissolution of the CNS would also invalidate other agencies that investigate and prosecute his wrongdoing. Long known as a vindictive and vengeful man, Thaksin can bide his time while ensuring that the rural grass-roots people can still be enticed to support him in return for financial handouts.

Politicians are known to be addicted to power. If uncontrolled, some could become power-mad and go to any lengths for self-preservation. Never mind the damage caused to the motherland, as long as one looks good and stays away from trial in the criminal courts.

So it was not surprising to hear that Thaksin has commissioned a high-profile lobbyist firm to fight on his behalf, such as seeking help from the United Nations to restore his status - much like former Haitian leader Jean-Bertrand Aristide until his true colours showed and he lost power again.

Though the huge assets from the sale of Shin Corp stocks to Temasek Holdings are frozen, Thaksin and his family members still have access to massive wealth stashed abroad, including a sizeable amount in a bank on Orchard Road in Singapore. The Bt40 billion frozen represents a fraction of the family's great fortune amassed through questionable means while their rule was unchallenged.

Now that corruption cases with Thaksin and family members as the prime accused will soon be processed in the courts, the public can expect increasing intensity of protests and possible violence from his admirers. These protesters have already confirmed their tendency to provoke law-enforcement authorities to crack down on them with strong-arm measures so that they get an excuse to go to extremes, such as rioting.

Thaksin's last line of defence is to seek political asylum in a country of his choice - which would be England. The grass-roots people should know that while their political patron and idol is abroad croaking about hardship, he has spent billions of baht in acquiring plush residences in prime locations in London and elsewhere with the immense power of his money.

The ruckus over his plan to purchase English soccer club Manchester City was just a ploy to keep himself in the news, using the British and Thai press for free advertisement after fooling Temasek Holdings into a mega bum deal.

His bid to seek asylum status is to block the arm of Thai law from dragging him to trial session for high crimes. If the government and the CNS want to contain Thaksin's continued attempts to stir up trouble, the most effective weapon is to instruct the Anti-Money Laundering Office to seek cooperation from its foreign counterparts to track down and freeze his family's assets.

As a man involved in the laundering of money stolen from the public, it will be difficult for Thaksin to find open arms and a hearty welcome wherever he goes. After all, money laundering is a high crime detested by law-enforcement authorities worldwide.

Come to think of it, it will be quite interesting to see which national leader is still willing to consort with a notorious criminal and welcome him for afternoon tea.

- The Nation

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

nice summary of current events...

If this is an editorial then it should be identified as such, shouldn't it?

[hammered]

Desperate man resorting to desperate measures

Thaksin Shinawatra, deposed from the premiership by a military coup last September, will not abandon his bid to regain power.

Now the stakes are much higher: he has to regain his massive wealth, which was frozen together with that of his family members.

Even more vital is his struggle to evade the arm of the law for misconduct in public office, financial shenanigans and other misdeeds putting him on par with corrupt politicians and white-collar criminals.

In a strong message on huge video screens at Sanam Luang to please his frenzied admirers, paid or otherwise, Thaksin made it clear that he intends to fight on at any cost, while also trying to fool the naive and gullible that he and his family are merely victims in a scheme to oust him from power and strip them of their great fortune.

All along Thaksin has told people, particularly those in the government and the Council for National Security, that he was giving up politics and would spend the rest of his life as an ordinary person who accepts a forced political exile. But sizeable funds have been channelled clandestinely to cronies to arouse the public to rally against the CNS and create an unstable political environment.

Listening to Thaksin's speech on Friday night required extra attention and sharp minds, to understand what has become of him after losing power. Clearly there were symptoms of mood swings, a mixture of melancholy, acceptance of fate and signs of capitulation.

As the minutes ticked away, his mood changed. Then it was a Thaksin full of the usual bravado and tough talk, with a lot of ill-concealed vengefulness for the day he could get even and punish those who caused his suffering and damaged stature as a politician who betrayed the trust of fellow countrymen.

The mood swings and the signs of incoherence should give shrinks a formidable challenge. During his press conference in Tokyo, the pouches under his eyes had two layers, instead of just one as seen immediately after his loss of power. These big under-eye bags are signs of tension and worry, hard thinking and an inner fight to retain sensibility.

Whatever Thaksin said all boiled down to the fact that he has no intention to cease and desist from attempting to regain power. The dissolution of the CNS would also invalidate other agencies that investigate and prosecute his wrongdoing. Long known as a vindictive and vengeful man, Thaksin can bide his time while ensuring that the rural grass-roots people can still be enticed to support him in return for financial handouts.

Politicians are known to be addicted to power. If uncontrolled, some could become power-mad and go to any lengths for self-preservation. Never mind the damage caused to the motherland, as long as one looks good and stays away from trial in the criminal courts.

So it was not surprising to hear that Thaksin has commissioned a high-profile lobbyist firm to fight on his behalf, such as seeking help from the United Nations to restore his status - much like former Haitian leader Jean-Bertrand Aristide until his true colours showed and he lost power again.

Though the huge assets from the sale of Shin Corp stocks to Temasek Holdings are frozen, Thaksin and his family members still have access to massive wealth stashed abroad, including a sizeable amount in a bank on Orchard Road in Singapore. The Bt40 billion frozen represents a fraction of the family's great fortune amassed through questionable means while their rule was unchallenged.

Now that corruption cases with Thaksin and family members as the prime accused will soon be processed in the courts, the public can expect increasing intensity of protests and possible violence from his admirers. These protesters have already confirmed their tendency to provoke law-enforcement authorities to crack down on them with strong-arm measures so that they get an excuse to go to extremes, such as rioting.

Thaksin's last line of defence is to seek political asylum in a country of his choice - which would be England. The grass-roots people should know that while their political patron and idol is abroad croaking about hardship, he has spent billions of baht in acquiring plush residences in prime locations in London and elsewhere with the immense power of his money.

The ruckus over his plan to purchase English soccer club Manchester City was just a ploy to keep himself in the news, using the British and Thai press for free advertisement after fooling Temasek Holdings into a mega bum deal.

His bid to seek asylum status is to block the arm of Thai law from dragging him to trial session for high crimes. If the government and the CNS want to contain Thaksin's continued attempts to stir up trouble, the most effective weapon is to instruct the Anti-Money Laundering Office to seek cooperation from its foreign counterparts to track down and freeze his family's assets.

As a man involved in the laundering of money stolen from the public, it will be difficult for Thaksin to find open arms and a hearty welcome wherever he goes. After all, money laundering is a high crime detested by law-enforcement authorities worldwide.

Come to think of it, it will be quite interesting to see which national leader is still willing to consort with a notorious criminal and welcome him for afternoon tea.

- The Nation

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

nice summary of current events...

Has he actually sought asylum?

[A_Traveller]

Desperate man resorting to desperate measures

Text redacted

- The Nation

If this is an editorial then it should be identified as such, shouldn't it?

The piece is on the website under Home > Opinion > Desperate man resorting to desperate measures, with a subheader [sidelines] and is credited to Sopon Ongkara

Regards

[rychrde]

Rest of the story from the Guardian at:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/worldlatest/stor...6715147,00.html

As someone who lives here, I have to say I welcome this, and hope we can move to negotiations rather than the brinksmanship we currently see.

mmm...and i guess Mrs T and Sonthi 'meeting' with their CM seer on the previous day had nothing to do with this :-)

rych

[Plus]

Err.., Cclub, did you not notice they have frozen his assets in preparation for prosecution in at least three cases?

Do you remember how long it took to indict Ken Lay of Enron? Two years, not eight months. It took another two years to reach conviciton, four years altogether.

Well, you are right. And wrong.

Right because it's indeed a good step. A first one. Wrong, because it came too late. And too little.

They could have seized his assets, not just frozen them, right from the start. That what would the normal junta do, but this was the "coup for democracy", they are not bandits.

Last time they seized assets, it didn't work, as Chatichai got his money back through the courts once civilian government was in charge.

This time they said they'll follow judicial process - launch investigations, prepare the case for prosecution and see it through the courts. They also know that they will be against the best lawyers money can buy.

Air tight cases need time to prepare.

Another point - they moved in on the assets once they obtained crucial information from Singapore linking Thaksin personally to accounts held in the names of his wife, children and relatives. From that moment on Thaksin was legally connected to all "policy corruption" cases that previously did not involve him as a political office holder at all.

There's a possibility that Thaksin has learnt about it from Singaporean banks and started moving assets around about a week prior to freeze.

Another possibility is the leak from AEC itself, of course. Yet another possibility is that he planted some listening devices in their offices.

[Erwin1011]

What a circus...

Rumors, counter rumors.

The bottom line : the junta is still unable (or unwilling) to charge Thaksin.

8 months since Thaksin was ousted. What are the results of the investigations (dozen) against him and/or his regime ?

Let's see what happens when his fat cow wife goes to court on Monday.... She's first up on the hit parade.

Assuming she's back from Singapore, of course.

Regards

PS Wouldn't just 'wife' be sufficient.

Thaksin's wife & friends. Is that better?

See S.R.J it's so much easier to be polite.

*cow removed for reasons of politeness*

I presume politeness extended towards the cow ?

[mbkudu]

Thaksin Shinawatra was one of the best prime minister's Thailand has ever had. He was removed from office against the laws of Thailand. He was for the common people. He was replaced by an illegal military entity that has no right to be in power at the moment. He worked to make Thailand a better, more efficient country for all. The changes he made and the changes he proposed were ill suited to the upper elite who thrive off of the labor of the masses. He will be back because there is no other way for Thailand to go forward, but to progress away from a feudal society with the military as its servant and tool.

Edited June 17, 2007 by mbkudu

[hammered]

Thaksin Shinawatra was one of the best prime minister's Thailand has ever had. He was removed from office against the laws of Thailand. He was for the common people. He was replaced by an illegal military entity that has no right to be in power at the moment. He worked to make Thailand a better, more efficient country for all. The changes he made and the changes he proposed were ill suited to the upper elite who thrive off of the labor of the masses. He will be back because there is no other way for Thailand to go forward, but to progress away from a feudal society with the military as its servant and tool.

Thailand has had a few PMs who didnt preside over a government policy of extra-judicial killings. Maybe this in your eyes was making Thailand a better more eficient country but not eevryone will agree with your analysis.

[younghusband]

Thaksin Shinawatra was one of the best prime minister's Thailand has ever had. He was removed from office against the laws of Thailand. He was for the common people. He was replaced by an illegal military entity that has no right to be in power at the moment. He worked to make Thailand a better, more efficient country for all. The changes he made and the changes he proposed were ill suited to the upper elite who thrive off of the labor of the masses. He will be back because there is no other way for Thailand to go forward, but to progress away from a feudal society with the military as its servant and tool.

He could have been one of the best and there were high hopes at the beginning, but unfortunately he squandered the possibility of greatness.There was by Thailand's standards comparitively little overt corruption but he didn't play fair - changing the rules to suit his business interests.And yet there is some truth in what you say and whether by design or accident he politicised that part of society which the Bangkok elite patronises and deep down fears.That was his real "crime", and whatever is Thaksin's ultimate fate the political landscape has changed permanently.The Democrats at least know this.

Meanwhile the quality of political debate on this forum continues to deteriorate.

[hammered]

Thaksin Shinawatra was one of the best prime minister's Thailand has ever had. He was removed from office against the laws of Thailand. He was for the common people. He was replaced by an illegal military entity that has no right to be in power at the moment. He worked to make Thailand a better, more efficient country for all. The changes he made and the changes he proposed were ill suited to the upper elite who thrive off of the labor of the masses. He will be back because there is no other way for Thailand to go forward, but to progress away from a feudal society with the military as its servant and tool.

He could have been one of the best and there were high hopes at the beginning, but unfortunately he squandered the possibility of greatness.There was by Thailand's standards comparitively little overt corruption but he didn't play fair - changing the rules to suit his business interests.And yet there is some truth in what you say and whether by design or accident he politicised that part of society which the Bangkok elite patronises and deep down fears.That was his real "crime", and whatever is Thaksin's ultimate fate the political landscape has changed permanently.The Democrats at least know this.

Meanwhile the quality of political debate on this forum continues to deteriorate.

This is true and it is so easily forgotten now. How many leaders with such great potential end up never fulfilling it? It is also true that so many leaders like this inspire blind love or blind hatred with so little in between.

I agree with your point about the Democrats too, though I feel they are not really in a position to do much about it right now although as a long established party I do hope they will find their role in the changed reality in the future.

One senses that inevitable big changes are on the horizon for Thailand. It is just a matter of when and how. Somehow although this should be a positive thing it just conjurs storm clouds in my mind as I increasingly think this transition will not be an easy one.

[Tony Clifton]

Thaksin Shinawatra was one of the best prime minister's Thailand has ever had. He was removed from office against the laws of Thailand. He was for the common people. He was replaced by an illegal military entity that has no right to be in power at the moment. He worked to make Thailand a better, more efficient country for all. The changes he made and the changes he proposed were ill suited to the upper elite who thrive off of the labor of the masses. He will be back because there is no other way for Thailand to go forward, but to progress away from a feudal society with the military as its servant and tool.

Stay away from the free drinks at Sanam Luang.

[John K]

Thaksin’s subtle but still present insults, he has not changed one bit. He does have a way of reminding people why he is not in office any more.

[Grover]

He could have been one of the best

Well I don't think there is any doubt he was a great leader, one of the best Thailand has seen.

But IMO the direction he was leading the country (and his obnoxious habit of skimming the cream along the way) was way off. Many rural Thais could not abstract higher for 2 seconds to see the direction he was leading they were dazzled by his leadership charisma & tricks, not unlike the fable of the pied piper.

The choices he can make as a leader are slowly being constricted by the day. Its hard to tell exactly where he is leading his followers now but it seems to be a descent.

Dissapointing really, for someone with so much potential. A little less greed, arrogance and some more genuine altruism for his country might have made all the difference.

[sriracha john]

Most foreigners buy junta's graft claims

Most expatriates and tourists believe allegations levelled by the junta and its government that ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra and his administration were embroiled in widespread corruption, according to a survey.

The majority of respondents agreed that a general election was the only hope for restoration of political stability. It is the best way to deal with the current political confrontation, they said.

The survey, conducted by the Abac Poll Research Centre, was released yesterday.

Of 558 foreigners surveyed between this past Monday and Saturday, 59.3 per cent said it believed the Thaksin government was involved in "irregularities". A group of 7.4 per cent disagreed and the remainder had no comment.

Almost half of the respondents, 49 per cent, agreed street protests against the junta could lead to violence. About a quarter of those surveyed disagreed, while the remainder had no comments.

Sixty-eight per cent said an election would lead to political stability, but 13 per cent disagreed. Almost 88 per cent of respondents considered an election the best solution to political unrest. The remaining 12 per cent did not think so.

Of those surveyed, 68 per cent were from Europe, 10 per cent from the United States, 9 per cent from Asia and the remainder were from Australia, New Zealand, Africa and elsewhere.

In a separate Abac survey, 49 per cent of respondents want to see an election within three months. Another 31 per cent want one within six months while the remainder were content with an election after six months.

Among popular candidates for prime minister were former interior minister Purachai Piumsombun with 42 per cent support, statesman and former prime minister Anand Panyarachun with 38 per cent and Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva with 35 per cent.

United Nations Conference on Trade and Development director Supachai Panitchpakdi received 31 per cent support and former prime minister Chuan Leekpai 28 per cent.

Respondents were free to select more than one preference. No politician banned from the electoral process by the recent Constitution Tribunal ruling was eligible for selection. The survey was conducted among 1,750 residents of greater Bangkok.

- The Nation

[britmaveric]

Problem is those that replaced Mr. T are more corrupt than their predecessors however spose that doesnt matter much.

[jumnien]

Most Thais were far better off during the Thaksin administration (methamphetamine dealers and cash-skimming Don Muang Air Force Generals excepted) than they are now under military domination.

[sriracha john]

Thaksin's empty words for national reconciliation

The widespread public concern that the anti-CNS protest organised by hardcore former TRT MPs on Saturday could turn violent and lead to the declaration of a state of emergency in Bangkok did not materialise. Veera Musikapong, a protest organiser, told the crowd they would not march to army headquarters or to the residence of Privy Council president Prem Tinsulanonda as earlier planned because organisers were concerned about protesters' health following heavy rain which drove many protesters away from Sanam Luang prematurely. But the real reason the march was cancelled appeared to be the fact that organisers failed to mobilise as big a crowd as they had anticipated. Plans for a mass protest on June 24 also look likely to flop. At best, it will be another night of blaring noise from bad-mouthed demagogues. And nothing else. Like his faithful cronies who failed to deliver on threats of a massive march, Thaksin also may have thrown away a golden opportunity on Friday night to turn the tables in his favour.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/18Jun2007_news12.php

Edited June 17, 2007 by sriracha john

[John K]

Problem is those that replaced Mr. T are more corrupt than their predecessors however spose that doesnt matter much.

So does the new constitution have enough teeth to keep them in check? I believe that is why the bad guys are not too fond of it. The whole reason of the junta’s exercise was because the bad guys got out of control.

[sriracha john]

Anti-coup protests lose steam

Pro-TRT movement thwarted at every turn

The anti-coup campaign by former TRT members appears to be losing steam with their attempts to challenge the government and the CNS failing to go to plan. Police and soldiers in the North yesterday blocked attempts by former Thai Rak Thai members to gather signatures in support of their petition to His Majesty the King over the dissolution of their party and the five-year political ban imposed on the party's 111 executive members. About 50 police and soldiers in Chiang Mai arrested eight former Thai Rak Thai members of the northern provinces and dismantled tents, loudspeakers and tables set up around the Three Kings Monument, a landmark in downtown Chiang Mai. They were accused of illegally blocking a public area. They include Surapong Towjijakchaikul, a leader of the Network of People Power for Thailand and Julaphan Amornwiwat, former TRT MP for Chiang Mai. They were released later. Chaturon Chaisaeng, acting leader of TRT party before it was dissolved, distanced himself from the signature campaign, saying it was not carried out on behalf of the Thai Rak Thai group.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/18Jun2007_news01.php

[John K]

Were the 8 that were arrested part of club 111?

[Jai Dee]

Mr. Alongkorn Polabutr advises people to think carefully the motives behind ex-PM's talks

Democrat Deputy Leader highly advises people to think carefully before taking into consideration the wording's of ex Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

The Democrat Party deputy leader, Mr. Alongkorn Polabutr (อลงกรณ์ พลบุตร) says Dr Thaksin has carefully read his wordings and his dissatisfaction concerning the government's freeze on the ex-PM's assets. Mr.Alongkorn said graft cases appeared most in Thaksin's administration. He further added that the AEC has frozen accounts and assets of Dr Thaksin as the investigation body has concrete evidence of graft.

The democrat deputy leader further commented that instead of giving verbal explanation, Dr Thaksin ought to show concrete evidence to prove his innocence. Mr Alongkorn said Dr Thaksin should stop criticising the current administration and that his hiring of a US lobbyist has angered a lot of Thais.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 18 June 2007

[John K]

Good suggestion that Thaksin provide the proof of his innocence.

I don’t know where the burden of proof is in this case but it certainly would make him change the topic or say we are too stupid to understand. I think Thaksin would opt for the second choice as the first choice would cause the appearance of his “X” sign.

Edited June 18, 2007 by John K

[BikeThailand]

Thaksin says he has no intention of re-entering politics, but how can we believe that? Does anyone else remember the very international and clear statement that he made when he finally realized that the Coup was successful? When he was asked what he would do now, he stated that he "was going to take some time to focus on doing charity work". Is he still focusing?!?!? Because you know if he has ever done any charity work in his life there would be news of it all over the world. He was trying to buy a football team, did he plan to have a charity day where everybody that was considered needy got in free? Come on, I know he kept the education system to the Middle Ages Standard for a reason, but we aren't all blind and stupid.

I really worry about Democracy the way it is. If the majority of the people elect the leader it seems fair, but is it really the best solution when the majority of the people are uneducated and desperate to believe anything. "Those that want to be in politics should automatically be banned for life!"

Whatever happens, I hope it can remain peaceful. I know it's not my country, but if it was I would put the Temasak/Thaksin deal funds into complete education reform. Why is it he had to hire a U.S. lobbyist, and why were most of his advisers while in office of Indian decent? Makes you wonder...

I often wonder if the Thai people admire someone with money so much that they really don't care how they got it. I used to date a very nice young lady that worked at the J.W. Marriott on Suk. Soi 2 and she would tell me the stories of what some of her co-workers would do to make extra money. She described them as "Crafty" and almost seemed to admire them for it. I would be very upset and try to explain that "yes, they are crafty but they are untrustworthy and in fact complete scumbags". The things that go on behind the scenes here are unbelievable!

Of course, Washington, DC isn't much different. The only thing they do better is they hide it well and use better lies. We are all just a bunch of dumb cows I guess! Mmmooooo!

[John K]

Interesting post.

One thing about Thaksin that has been a constant is whatever comes out of his mouth is totally self serving. If other just happen to benefit from it then it is just luck of the draw.

At 57 he should be looking at winding down into his senior years, but his ego and desire for money keeps him moving. I don’t think he would have entered politics if he did not see it as a money making tool.

By letting Thaksin talk to the rally was more of the hopes he would hang himself with his tongue. Unfortunately that suggests that the government’s case against him may be weaker than advertized. It was a calculated risk to let him talk, and then next 10 days will show the results. It goes without saying the pro Thaksin group will try to make it look like a victory.

[Grover]

One thing about Thaksin that has been a constant is whatever comes out of his mouth is totally self serving. If other just happen to benefit from it then it is just luck of the draw.

At 57 he should be looking at winding down into his senior years, but his ego and desire for money keeps him moving. I don’t think he would have entered politics if he did not see it as a money making tool.

To add to the last sentence, apart from the financial attraction, I think he was also interested in having power over people. He also wanted love and respect from the people, something bordering on worship. No doubt he is in a lot of pain at the moment from slowly losing everything important to him.

I don't think he is genuinely concerned with the troubles he has caused because he never really cared for Thailand, now or then.