How “peacemaker” Thaksin is stirring up Thai politics

[snoop1130]

 

Since convicted former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra returned to his motherland by a private jet on August 22nd of last year, the Thai public has only had brief glimpses of him. From that point onward, his wellbeing has become shrouded in mystery, not because he has been sent to serve a prison term, but because he vanished within the confines of the Police General Hospital since the day of his return. This has sparked a public outcry.

 

“The regulation was not designed specifically to benefit Thaksin, but all qualified convicts. Prison is not a place in which to kill or torture convicts and any inmate who is ill is entitled to be treated in a hospital outside the prison”, claimed Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong during his address to parliament last week, as part of the debate on the government’s budget bill.

 

He added that Thaksin returned to Thailand to face legal consequences because he is a ‘peacemaker’ who aims to foster reconciliation in the country. In fact, the real question concerns whether Thaksin is genuinely unwell. On January 6th, 2024, Tawee stated that he had received a medical report from the doctor at the Police General Hospital, confirming that the former prime minister is indeed ill. Regarding the matter of permitting a convict to serve his term outside of prison, he mentioned that the director-general of the Corrections Department and the committee, comprised of doctors from the Corrections Department, will handle the issue and report back to him.

 

On the same day, the director-general of the Corrections Department made an announcement explaining Thaksin’s case, stating that taking prisoners for treatment outside the prison is an action taken by the Department of Corrections as required by law. Even though the inmate is being treated outside the prison, he must still strictly adhere to the rules and regulations of the Department of Corrections. He is treated the same as prisoners within the prison, without any privileges.

 

Essentially, what many people in Thai society, such as the Committee on Human Rights, Liberties and Consumer Protection, opposition party MPs and so on, need to know is the nature of Thaksin’s illness and whether it is genuinely serious enough to warrant his prolonged stay in the hospital. The Thai public has never been informed about the condition of Thaksin’s health, due to the patient’s right to privacy.

 

By Jeerapa Boonyatus

Caption: Supporters of former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra arrange a giant portrait placard as they wait outside Klong Prem Central Prison in Bangkok on August 22, 2023. / AFP

 

Full story: Thai PBS 2024-01-09

 

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[lordgrinz]

The only thing he will foster is a civil war, they should have never let him come back, especially with this joke of justice portrayal. His so called imprisonment is just a reminder of how the Elite are immune from true justice, while poor peasants linger in a real jail environment for much pettier offenses.

[OneMoreFarang]

If there would be any courageous journalists in Thailand, then they could report about many other sick prisoners.

How many seriously ill prisoners are there in Thailand? Under which conditions do they live? Do they get proper treatment?

And then compare the hundreds or thousands of seriously ill prisoners with the VIP prisoner.

 

And maybe even compare medial treatment of normal Thais, who are not in prison, to the VIP guy. How many seriously sick people are transported per helicopter to a specialist in the middle of the night? 

[scorecard]

"He added that Thaksin returned to Thailand to face legal consequences because he is a ‘peacemaker’ who aims to foster reconciliation in the country..."

 

I've never ever seen any evidence of that gem. 

[Homburg]

Thaksin? Not seen much of him lately.  Maybe he needs to get out more?

[spidermike007]

How on earth is this guy considered a peacemaker? If anything he has declaring war on the Thai people by allowing his party to jump into bed with the toxic army, and completely betray the hopes, will, wishes, dreams, and ambitions of the vast majority of the Thai people and especially the youth. Thaksin is enemy number one at this point, so are the PT, Sretta and the army. 

[2baht]

9 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

but because he vanished within the confines of the Police General Hospital

Well duhhh, he's been at home since day one! 

[hotchilli]

9 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Since convicted former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra returned to his motherland by a private jet on August 22nd of last year, the Thai public has only had brief glimpses of him. From that point onward, his wellbeing has become shrouded in mystery, not because he has been sent to serve a prison term, but because he vanished within the confines of the Police General Hospital since the day of his return. This has sparked a public outcry.

Peacemaker ?????

Thaksin takes care of Number 1, followed closely by his family.

[hotchilli]

36 minutes ago, Homburg said:

Thaksin? Not seen much of him lately.  Maybe he needs to get out more?

He is out figuratively speaking... at home.

[neeray]

The Thai elite enjoy smooth sailing via money and corruption.

[geisha]

I really don’t know why you all keep getting  exasperated, upset, infuriated by this story, which has been beaten to death over 5 months.

When he announced his return , it was a given that it was planned well in advance and that he wouldn’t be imprisoned.  It was planned by the government .

Thaksin is a billionaire in his own right, he was Prime Minister, not a common thief or murderer who was going to sit in jail. Yes, he’s been ill before returning to Thailand . 

By the way, Happy Birthday MR Thaksin  !! 

 

[jacko45k]

Peace maker! Might be informative news if it was pacemaker. 

[2baht]

5 minutes ago, geisha said:

I really don’t know why you all keep getting  exasperated, upset, infuriated by this story, which has been beaten to death over 5 months.

When he announced his return , it was a given that it was planned well in advance and that he wouldn’t be imprisoned.  It was planned by the government .

Thaksin is a billionaire in his own right, he was Prime Minister, not a common thief or murderer who was going to sit in jail. Yes, he’s been ill before returning to Thailand . 

By the way, Happy Birthday MR Thaksin  !! 

 

Oh give him a big hug for me, Ducky! 

[bokningar]

They don't care how this make Thailand look.

Who will ever trust the Thai leagal system after this?

[Quit]

It's a mental illness called greed and it will bring the adequate karma on his mishpocha.

[AhFarangJa]

10 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Prison is not a place in which to kill or torture convicts

It is here, only it is all kept quiet.

[quake]

Peacemaker.

More like, Pish Taker.

[2baht]

9 minutes ago, bokningar said:

Who will ever trust the Thai leagal system after this?

Who trusted it ever??? 

[Srikcir]

1 hour ago, spidermike007 said:

Thaksin is enemy number one at this point, so are the PT, Sretta and the army. 

When the foundations for Democracy in Thailand continue to exist only in the People's hearts and minds without a path to sustainable action, Number One becomes a privileged class rather than any one individual.

[newbee2022]

10 hours ago, lordgrinz said:

The only thing he will foster is a civil war, they should have never let him come back, especially with this joke of justice portrayal. His so called imprisonment is just a reminder of how the Elite are immune from true justice, while poor peasants linger in a real jail environment for much pettier offenses.

My opinion is that he just making peace in Thailand. Indeed he does. No fightings between the Reds and Yellows. He comes for reconciliation not war again. And, don't forget, people like him. They did not forget what he achieved to make life in Thailand much better than before. Wages were increased and a good affordable Health care system established. Even if there might be still corruption involved he will change Thailand again. He will take over some ideas of Pita so secure his party's power and probably his daughter will become next prime minister. Thailand will move forward. With Thaksin or without.

[ezzra]

I'm more interested to find out how, when and where he's going to insert himself into Thai politics again as I'm sure that this is

his final goal, to be number one again, (well, number 2)...

Edited January 10 by ezzra

[al valio]

The generals and Thaksin made a deal. They stay in power, he can return, and MFP is kept out. Simple and everyone can understand.

 

The rest (ill, hospital, yadayada) is just a charade (keeping face?).

 

 

[Accidental Tourist]

And the Soap Opera continued...

[Robspierre]

I find this entire subject a tad voyeuristic! Concern about the whereabouts and medical issues of a wealthy and successful man as if we have all been deputized as paparazzi. Prediction: Thaksin is going to do what a eealthy and successful man should be expected to do. 

I suggest an equivalent amount of focus be put on the individuals currently in place responsible for the direction Thailand takes. This requires a change from the last several decades: rudderless. When the activity of other countries in the region is compared, a coma or hibernation are descriptions that seem apt. When you look at attributes that other countries have, the grestest deficiency I identify with Thailand is LEADERSHIP. Maybe the focus on Thaksin should be with the aim of him mentoring the leaders in place who don't have the benefit of being wealthy and successful... with the country doing the same for a change. 

[lordgrinz]

1 hour ago, newbee2022 said:

My opinion is that he just making peace in Thailand. Indeed he does. No fightings between the Reds and Yellows. He comes for reconciliation not war again. And, don't forget, people like him. They did not forget what he achieved to make life in Thailand much better than before. Wages were increased and a good affordable Health care system established. Even if there might be still corruption involved he will change Thailand again. He will take over some ideas of Pita so secure his party's power and probably his daughter will become next prime minister. Thailand will move forward. With Thaksin or without.

 

He is a pig, no different then Prawit/Prayut/Thamanat, just another Elite (Junta Sympathizer) hiding in a suit pretending to be the savior of Thailand while wallowing at the corruption trough. He should be lingering in a jail cell like any other common prisoner, then maybe he would truly understand the average Thai persons life. He and his charade prison sentence are just symbols of everything that is wrong in Thailand. I wouldn't spit on him or his cohorts if they were on fire, let alone give him a nice pampered suite in a 5 star RTP hospital.

[hotandsticky]

2 minutes ago, lordgrinz said:

 

He is a pig, no different then Prawit/Prayut/Thamanat, just another Elite (Junta Sympathizer) hiding in a suit pretending to be the savior of Thailand while wallowing at the corruption trough. He should be lingering in a jail cell like any other common prisoner, then maybe he would truly understand the average Thai persons life. He and his charade prison sentence are just symbols of everything that is wrong in Thailand. I wouldn't spit on him or his cohorts if they were on fire, let alone give him a nice pampered suite in a 5 star RTP hospital.

 

 

Harsh...

 

 

 

.....but fair.

[newbee2022]

1 hour ago, ezzra said:

I'm more interested to find out how, when and where he's going to insert himself into Thai politics again as I'm sure that this is

his final goal, to be number one again, (well, number 2)...

He is already by proxy PM and will implement his daughter soon. He is and will be the puppet master. However, I would admit he'll have some good ideas and a vision to move Thailand to a sustainable future 

[newbee2022]

30 minutes ago, lordgrinz said:

 

He is a pig, no different then Prawit/Prayut/Thamanat, just another Elite (Junta Sympathizer) hiding in a suit pretending to be the savior of Thailand while wallowing at the corruption trough. He should be lingering in a jail cell like any other common prisoner, then maybe he would truly understand the average Thai persons life. He and his charade prison sentence are just symbols of everything that is wrong in Thailand. I wouldn't spit on him or his cohorts if they were on fire, let alone give him a nice pampered suite in a 5 star RTP hospital.

If he is a pig.....what kind of animal are you? Just a friend asked me😁

I'm convinced nobody should addressed with any of those gutter language words. Maybe Thaksin is not your favourite politician, but he is part of society, beloved by millions of Thai people still. You can criticise him, but please articulate yourself in a proper human being language. Thank you.🙏

[lordgrinz]

1 minute ago, newbee2022 said:

If he is a pig.....what kind of animal are you? Just a friend asked me😁

I'm convinced nobody should addressed with any of those gutter language words. Maybe Thaksin is not your favourite politician, but he is part of society, beloved by millions of Thai people still. You can criticise him, but please articulate yourself in a proper human being language. Thank you.🙏

 

Keep licking those boots.

[Pouatchee]

goes to show how justice is TRULY blind here