5 minutes ago, Dogmatix said:

Thaksin's major contribution to tourism and immigration was the Thai Elite card that he fraudulently claimed would allow foreigners to own land. In reality he actually made it harder for foreigners to own land. Apart from that he had all the PR and citizenship applications knocked back and either rejected completely or delayed for 3 years.  He also increased visa fees.

 

Thaksin's approach was always to pander to the super rich foreigners, clear out the bottom tier and make things harder for the middle of the road expats. Visas for super rich are now saturated with Elite Card and LTR visas.  So he can just focus on clearing out the bottom tier and raising visa fees and financial hurdles.

I'm not sure you can call Elite visa super rich. But I have heard over the years how he made it difficult for expats. In my lifetime though I've only seen the crackdowns being after the 2012 coup, prior to that you could bounce in and out of Sadao without even a glance as many times you wanted, then came the overstay announcements in 2014 which prior to that was never a problem, just an exchange of cash for a red stamp, then obviously things bat <deleted> crazy with covid border closing and insanely silly sandbox nonsense

42 minutes ago, Trippy said:

He looks good for being 71.

Looks like he's had some 'work' done on the old square mug.

 

Let the games begin..

 

 

1 minute ago, circa02 said:

What reason do some expats have to support him? Genuinely curious is there some more subsistence than "he's better than current lot" or "wife's family think he's really good for farmers"

Good point.  Haha.such a snake like Thaksin chosen over dinosaurs. I prefer T although its unbelievable that a genuine guy P  comes into play and he has been told to go home to mommy. Newer tiktok generations will not have much ability to make any difference.  Looks like same same for eternity here. 

15 minutes ago, Neeranam said:

11 minutes ago, Dogmatix said:

Thaksin's major contribution to tourism and immigration was the Thai Elite card that he fraudulently claimed would allow foreigners to own land. In reality he actually made it harder for foreigners to own land. Apart from that he had all the PR and citizenship applications knocked back and either rejected completely or delayed for 3 years.  He also increased visa fees.

 

Thaksin's approach was always to pander to the super rich foreigners, clear out the bottom tier and make things harder for the middle of the road expats. Visas for super rich are now saturated with Elite Card and LTR visas.  So he can just focus on clearing out the bottom tier and raising visa fees and financial hurdles.

He wanted high end tourists who would spend lots of money and raise the value of tourism. It was a good idea from a marketing point of view. Now we have a lot of low end tourists who go into a bar with 5 straws and order one beer, or travel around in buses then block the sidewalk when they get off following a little flag. This means tourism, despite the high numbers, will always be a comparatively low earner here compared to what can be achieved in other markets. 

You the person

3 minutes ago, John Drake said:

I acknowledge Thaksin's political skills and tactics. He does hold an antipathy, however, for people from the West

the following is from chat gpt 4: 

 

"does Thaksin Shinawatra dislike western people?"

 

As of my last update in September 2021, there's no clear evidence or consistent messaging that suggests Thaksin Shinawatra, the former Prime Minister of Thailand, harbors a general dislike for Western people. It's important to differentiate between a political leader's policy decisions or critiques of foreign governments and a personal sentiment towards the people of a particular region.

Thaksin Shinawatra has had a complex relationship with Western governments, particularly the United States. At times during his tenure as Prime Minister (2001-2006), he cooperated closely with the West on various issues, including counter-terrorism efforts. However, he also had disagreements with Western governments on various matters.

It's essential to approach such topics with caution and avoid making generalized assumptions based on limited data or isolated events. If you're looking for current views or statements by Thaksin Shinawatra, it would be best to refer to recent interviews, articles, or public statements he may have made after 2021.

8 minutes ago, circa02 said:

What reason do some expats have to support him? Genuinely curious is there some more subsistence than "he's better than current lot" or "wife's family think he's really good for farmers"

Some expats support democracy, simple as that.

12 minutes ago, Dogmatix said:

Thaksin's major contribution to tourism and immigration was the Thai Elite card that he fraudulently claimed would allow foreigners to own land. In reality he actually made it harder for foreigners to own land. Apart from that he had all the PR and citizenship applications knocked back and either rejected completely or delayed for 3 years.  He also increased visa fees.

 

Thaksin's approach was always to pander to the super rich foreigners, clear out the bottom tier and make things harder for the middle of the road expats. Visas for super rich are now saturated with Elite Card and LTR visas.  So he can just focus on clearing out the bottom tier and raising visa fees and financial hurdles.

Absolutely. 

2 minutes ago, TimeMachine said:

Good point.  Haha.such a snake like Thaksin chosen over dinosaurs. I prefer T although its unbelievable that a genuine guy P  comes into play and he has been told to go home to mommy. Newer tiktok generations will not have much ability to make any difference.  Looks like same same for eternity here. 

It seems though the likely outcome is going to be that we get the dinosaurs, in every ministry, in exchange Thaksin get's his freedom, not sure he's really going to be active in anyway, but we get dinosaur rule for next three or four years..

This is incorrect. We were told here by commenters that there was no way that he was ever returning.

It can only be described as a cat among the pigeons.

49 minutes ago, Neeranam said:

We haven't forgotten the 1000s of extrajudicial killings,.

Why is there absolutely zero mentions of this in the reams and reams of press reports covering Thaksin’s return?

 

????

6 minutes ago, bob smith said:

the following is from chat gpt 4: 

 

 

"does Thaksin Shinawatra dislike western people?"

 

As of my last update in September 2021, there's no clear evidence or consistent messaging that suggests Thaksin Shinawatra, the former Prime Minister of Thailand, harbors a general dislike for Western people. It's important to differentiate between a political leader's policy decisions or critiques of foreign governments and a personal sentiment towards the people of a particular region.

Thaksin Shinawatra has had a complex relationship with Western governments, particularly the United States. At times during his tenure as Prime Minister (2001-2006), he cooperated closely with the West on various issues, including counter-terrorism efforts. However, he also had disagreements with Western governments on various matters.

It's essential to approach such topics with caution and avoid making generalized assumptions based on limited data or isolated events. If you're looking for current views or statements by Thaksin Shinawatra, it would be best to refer to recent interviews, articles, or public statements he may have made after 2021.

Why on Earth are you quoting chatgpt, come on man, get it together.

27 minutes ago, KannikaP said:

So is Yingluck a he or a she, or is it simply bad spelling.

Hey Mr Confused, read it again. His or Her brother?

are they throwing rotten tomatoes at the motorcade ....

 

what a circus    !!

 

1 minute ago, Neeranam said:

Why on Earth are you quoting chatgpt, come on man, get it together.

just asking for a 2nd opinion. 

 

its obvious you hate thaksin and democracy. why dont you get it together?

2 minutes ago, MrMojoRisin said:

Why is there absolutely zero mentions of this in the reams and reams of press reports covering Thaksin’s return?

 

????

There are many mentions of it. I would paste but Thai language not allowed on this forum. 

My TGF (from KK) is offended that he seems now in lockstep with Prayuth, after all that baggage all around, and this would be my line of thought; there's no way he would be returning without some sort of understanding with the real powers, and it would have to include some settlement of the next government. I hate to say it, but Prawit looks increasingly possible--but I know nothing.

2 minutes ago, bob smith said:

just asking for a 2nd opinion. 

 

its obvious you hate thaksin and democracy. why dont you get it together?

Bob .....   I think I need a drink early today   !    all this excitement is making me thirsty ....

Arrival at jail

 

At 10:20 a.m., the police escorted Mr. Thaksin to a car destined for the Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Persons Holding Political Positions. The convoy was composed of police motorcycles, a leading police car, two bulletproof vehicles, and a silver-bronze van, concluding with ambulances and police cars, all following the accused's detention process at the said court.

Picture: Thai Rat

Subsequently, around 11:00 a.m., after Mr. Thaksin had been in the courtroom for over 40 minutes, a contingent of police officers departed from the Supreme Court and proceeded towards the Bangkok Special Prison. Among the Red Shirt supporters eagerly awaiting, cheers and encouragement reverberated. It is anticipated that the former prime minister Thaksin's vehicle was a

black Fortuner.

 

 

Source: Thai Rath

 

 

52 minutes ago, Neeranam said:

The current regime made the Thai citizenship within reach of married foreigners.

That was done by Yingluck/Thaksin.

Prayut/Anutin hate foreigners (dirty farang/foreigners in bikinis deserve to be raped and murdered)

 

Your memory is as faulty as Thai history books.

This guy is foxy. Surely he's up to something.

2 minutes ago, BritManToo said:

That was done by Yingluck/Thaksin.

Prayut/Anutin hate foreigners (dirty farang/foreigners in bikinis deserve to be raped and murdered)

 

Your memory is as faulty as Thai history books.

I think his Thai ID card has really gone to his head!

 

god knows what he will be like when he gets his tuk tuk licence ???? 

6 minutes ago, Neeranam said:

There are many mentions of it. I would paste but Thai language not allowed on this forum. 

????????????

9 minutes ago, MrMojoRisin said:

Why is there absolutely zero mentions of this in the reams and reams of press reports covering Thaksin’s return?

 

????

Everyone, worldwide already knows.

1 hour ago, herfiehandbag said:

Still looking good isn't she?

Soooooooooo, You still Would ' Eh ??

 

 

Its obvious that he has struck a backroom deal and consequently will not serve any time. He wouldn't come back otherwise. I expect he will get  a royal pardon. He alays had a close relationship with the man who bestows these. While the details are unknown, it is likely the price was allowing the 'military parties' into the coalition, in order to get a slice of the pie, and promising to stay out of politics. The new faultline in Thailand is now between the conservative and reformist camps. The red versus yellow conflict is old news, and clearly Thaksin is now seen as the lesser of two evils. Pheu Thai will suffer for their betrayal but it has always been Thaksin's party, and their primary focus, even when in government, has always been to bring him home.

47 minutes ago, webfact said:

Thaksin happily reunites with family
 

 

Paetongtarn Shinawatra posted photos taken inside Don Muang airport VIP suite on Tuesday, showing her father, Thaksin, together with all of his children, grandchildren and in-laws.

 

On her Facebook page, Paetongtarn, his youngest daughter, wrote “Welcome back to Thailand daddy”.

 

Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/thaksin-happily-reunites-with-family/

 

-- Thai PBS 2023-08-22

 

- Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here.

 

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How sweet. 

I've been here since 1998. I remember clearly the improvements Thaksin made for Thailand and understand the love some Thai's have for him. Perhaps the memories a bit dusty but...OTOP, One Tambon One Product, the villages products reinvigorated the klongthom markets nationwide. Revolving micro finance (10,000 baht?); the source of funding for the street sellers stalls that sprung up everywhere nationwide. Low cost housing, Suvarnabhumi Airport, amongst other infrastructure projects, Exchange rates at  about x2 today's rates (UK Pound/Thai baht =60/70+ baht) certainly benefitted me in the construction of a house in 2001. The introduction of universal healthcare......

5 minutes ago, 747man said:

Soooooooooo, You still Would ' Eh ??

Well I didn't say that, I do think that she is still a very attractive woman - no doubt helped by having the money to dress well and take care of herself.

 

My opinion of the whole "Thaksin returns circus" would be improved if whatever deal has been cut was extended to include her - but that again is purely my personal opinion. Please form an orderly queue, the attendants will supply bricks for you to throw.