It is a similar reason to having Musk running the USA. 

16 hours ago, ronnie50 said:

Seems he's pushed the initial deal with the Amart for his return from exile as far as he could. I thought the deal was that he was supposed to fade into the background - but he's done the opposite. The Amart are restless, this is clear, and not good news for Thailand if they are scared of him (again).

Pardon my ignorance, and Googles', what's an Amart?

16 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra encountered a significant legal hurdle today, as the Criminal Court denied his request to travel to Indonesia for the upcoming ASEAN meeting. Thaksin remains embroiled in legal challenges under Thailand's lèse majesté law and the Computer Crime Act, and the court ruled there was insufficient reason to permit his departure from the country while proceedings are ongoing.

Ohhh dear.

6 hours ago, scorecard said:

 

Why would he be attending an ASEAN meeting, he's not an elected official, he's not authorized to make statements on behalf of Thailand nor make decisions on behalf of Thailand. 

Exactly

17 minutes ago, Grusa said:

Pardon my ignorance, and Googles', what's an Amart?

From AI

In Thai society, "amart" refers to the upper class or aristocracy, essentially the elite members of society, often including those with close ties to the royal palace and holding significant political influence; it signifies a privileged group with access to power and wealth.

Key points about "amart":

• Meaning: Literally translates to "aristocrat" or "noble".
• Social context: Used to describe the highest social stratum in Thailand, including individuals with significant political and economic power.
• Comparison: Sometimes contrasted with the term "prai" which can refer to the common people or lower classes.
   

4 minutes ago, chickenslegs said:

From AI

In Thai society, "amart" refers to the upper class or aristocracy, essentially the elite members of society, often including those with close ties to the royal palace and holding significant political influence; it signifies a privileged group with access to power and wealth.

Key points about "amart":

• Meaning: Literally translates to "aristocrat" or "noble".
• Social context: Used to describe the highest social stratum in Thailand, including individuals with significant political and economic power.
• Comparison: Sometimes contrasted with the term "prai" which can refer to the common people or lower classes.
   

Correct, it covers, "he who can't be named, a few of the old military hierarchy, owners of the few major companies, all are intermarried or connected in one way or another by long term relationships" 

First time he couldn't buy his freedom 

14 hours ago, ronnie50 said:

I think it's the usual tripartite suspects tightening the screws - and using their various proxies as always. They're sending him a signal, not a judicial signal, that's a smokescreen, it's something else. Possibly something bigger. I hope not another coup. Why couldn't he just stay in the background and give directions from there?

His opponents can only do so much

Thaksin will rectify this in no time to show who’s in charge 

7 hours ago, scorecard said:

 

Why would he be attending an ASEAN meeting, he's not an elected official, he's not authorized to make statements on behalf of Thailand nor make decisions on behalf of Thailand. 

Exactly so. I was led to understand that by court order He is not allowed to be involved in anything to do with politics. By requesting permission to attend a political meeting abroad is, to my mind, shoving a finger up to the judiciary. 

2 hours ago, Mario Cosmopolite said:

reigns are for kings. reins are for horses.

You are indeed correct.

Yeah I remember him saying he was just coming back he want to spend time with his grandkids in the swimming pool what a joke the guy stole billions of dollars they let him off the hook he said he wouldn’t get involved in politics that’s a laugh and he’s running the country right now TIT soon as sister will be here

5 hours ago, Ironmike said:

I must be mistaken I believe that after his 5 minutes in jail he was released and told never to have anything to do with political BS ever again so why does he need to go to all these places and talk with other leaders isn't that his daughters job or is she just a muppet he controls? He needs to be placed into prison for the full sentence and let this country get back into its feet with a truly elected Prime minister the people want. 

Not defending Thaksin, but the people DID choose the party they want (not Thaksin's). They wanted Move Forward. The usual royalist/conservative suspects contrived to get rid of that party and the TRT party is now in bed with its sworn enemies instead. As a minroty ruling party, TRT is pushing the envelope (too far probably). Nothing has changed really, the same conservative people run the country for their own vested interests and are letting TRT drive the clown car for a while, until the real rulers think TRT has overstepped its boundaries - which it might be getting close to now. 

I'm waiting for the PM to declare her father a special emissary, or some such, who represents Thailand at the ASEAN meeting, thus circumventing his travel ban. Pardon my cynicism.

21 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Photo courtesy of Thairath Online

 

Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra encountered a significant legal hurdle today, as the Criminal Court denied his request to travel to Indonesia for the upcoming ASEAN meeting. Thaksin remains embroiled in legal challenges under Thailand's lèse majesté law and the Computer Crime Act, and the court ruled there was insufficient reason to permit his departure from the country while proceedings are ongoing.

 

Arriving at the Criminal Court in Bangkok with his lawyer, Winyat Chatmontri, the ex-PM sought clearance for international travel, citing an invitation from the Indonesian president. The court reviewed his application, beginning at 10am on March 6, but ultimately decided against it, citing the lack of convincing justification amid his legal issues.

 

At 12.02pm, Thaksin departed the court in silence, refraining from commenting to the media. His request was officially dismissed later in the afternoon, affirming that he would not be allowed to leave Thailand for the ASEAN meeting set for March 7.

 

 

 

Since returning to Thailand last year after 15 years in exile, Thaksin's legal troubles have been a prominent issue in Thai political discourse. His recent actions, including the bid to exit the country, have spurred speculations regarding his legal tactics and potential political motives.

 

For now, with the court’s decisive ruling, Thaksin remains in Thailand under close government scrutiny. His future moves remain uncertain, and his absence at the ASEAN meeting underscores the ongoing complexities surrounding his legal and political situation, reported The Thaiger.

 

-- 2025-03-06

 

 

 

12 hours ago, scorecard said:

 

Why would he be attending an ASEAN meeting, he's not an elected official, he's not authorized to make statements on behalf of Thailand nor make decisions on behalf of Thailand. 

Also not authorized to sign any documents of behalf of Thailand.

2 hours ago, 1duckyboy said:

I'm waiting for the PM to declare her father a special emissary, or some such, who represents Thailand at the ASEAN meeting, thus circumventing his travel ban. Pardon my cynicism.

 OK, so will she also give him full authority o speak on behalf of Thailand, make / state decisions on behalf of Thailand, guarantee payments from Thailand, and sign documents on behalf of Thailand and / or his daughter?

I don't understand. Didn't he get a Royal Pardon?

1 hour ago, Gobbler said:

I don't understand. Didn't he get a Royal Pardon?

yes he got a pardon not for the crime, but his pardon was from 8yrs to 1 yr  but not for the crime he is a convicted felon

6 hours ago, Hunz Kittisak said:

His opponents can only do so much

Thaksin will rectify this in no time to show who’s in charge 

He's not in charge, never was and never will be - there is a bigger power than Thaksin, Thaksin is just the convenient front man at the moment. 

4 hours ago, 1duckyboy said:

I'm waiting for the PM to declare her father a special emissary, or some such, who represents Thailand at the ASEAN meeting, thus circumventing his travel ban. Pardon my cynicism.

I thought he already was that (a special envoy to ASEAN - that's why the ASEAN reps met with him recently isn't it?)

11 hours ago, Hunz Kittisak said:

His opponents can only do so much

Thaksin will rectify this in no time to show who’s in charge 

Be brave. Who are the good guys?

On 3/7/2025 at 12:24 AM, redwood1 said:

Let him go....

 

He has paid his dues.....

 

Tony served his one hour at the jail, before his helicopter arrived...

 

I bet the poor guy is still trying to recover from his brutal jail experience...

Post traumat stress disorder from wearing a neck brace 

He has no need to attend, he is supposed to have nothing to do with politics,

Unless Miss Muffin needs him as a script writer.......

On 3/7/2025 at 8:19 AM, mfd101 said:

I assume Thailand's proper representative will be attending the ASEAN meeting, namely the PM.

proper     ( PUPPET )  representative

On 3/7/2025 at 9:06 AM, bendejo said:

Then there are the old fears about him and his friends in Singapore engaging in rascality.

 

well i never,

On 3/7/2025 at 2:03 AM, wombat said:

What's the criteria for being a countries representative at ASEAN?

I suppose if he has an official invitation from the Indonesian President then that’s enough.

On 3/7/2025 at 4:09 AM, willip said:

First time he couldn't buy his freedom 

 

He'll double the money next time.