Prosecutors Vow To Arrest Thaksin Upon His Return To Thailand

[sriracha john]

Lots of conflicting reports...

Ousted PM Thaksin to return to Thailand before May: Foreign Minister

BANGKOK — Deposed prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra will return to Thailand from a self-imposed exile before May, the kingdom's new foreign minister said Friday.

"Definitely he will return before May and his legal team will work out an exact date," Foreign Minister Noppadon Pattama told reporters. Until he was sworn in as a cabinet member on Wednesday, Noppadon had been a personal lawyer for Thaksin.

Since then, the former prime minister has been living in exile, mainly in Hong Kong and London. His wife Pojaman last month told a court that Thaksin would return to Thailand in May.

The former first couple face corruption charges filed by the previous military government. Pojaman, who returned from Hong Kong in early January, appeared at the Supreme Court and pleaded not guilty in a statement.

The new foreign minister said Thaksin had called to congratulate him on his new job. Noppadon was one of several close aides to Thaksin who joined the government of Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej, taking key posts including the finance minister and deputy prime minister.

Interior Minister Chalerm Yubamrung said Friday he hoped Thaksin would return soon. "It's time that Thaksin should come home," the minister told reporters.

- AFP

[sriracha john]

Ex-PM Thaksin returning before May

BANGKOK - Deposed prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra is likely to return to Thailand before May, but the exact date of his coming remains unknown, Thai Foreign Minister Noppadon Pattama said Friday.

Thaksin's former legal advisor, now foreign minister, said he received a congratulatory call from the ex-premier on Thursday and give him personal advice on a proactive working strategy at the ministry as the ex-premier himself was once minister of foreign affairs.

Noppadon said he believed the former prime minister might return before May to fight graft charges, but since he is no longer the former prime minister's legal advisor, Thaksin's new legal team is expected to announce later the exact date of his return.

Pojaman, Thaksin's wife, had earlier said her husband would return to fight charges in connection with the land purchase scheme in May.

Thaksin is facing criminal charges in the Supreme Court for allegedly abusing power while in office regarding the purchase of a Bt772 million plot of land in Bangkok's Rachadapisek area in 2003.

The former prime minister is accused of illegally influencing the deal and helping his wife purchase the government-owned parcel of land at a bargain price while he was in office. Thaksin and his wife have denied any wrongdoing.

The foreign minister also gave assurances that he would not meddle with foreign ministry officials' decision regarding whether or not to return diplomatic passport to the deposed prime minister. "It's a matter of their discretion whether who deserves the 'red passport', however, I believe in a fair treatment for all," said Noppadon.

Thaksin, who remains in self-imposed exile after being toppled by a bloodless military coup on Sept 19, 2006, had his diplomatic passport revoked last year. The Foreign Ministry gave no clear explanation for its decision.

The ex-premier is the first former Thai prime minister known to have had his diplomatic passport revoked.

- TNA

[sriracha john]

New Thai government would welcome Thaksin back, but not intervene in corruption case

BANGKOK, Thailand - The new Thai government said Friday that it would welcome deposed Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra back to the country, but that it would not interfere in the corruption case against him.

Interior Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung said he would even be on hand at the airport to greet Thaksin and urged him to

return home as soon as possible. "It is better that he come back soon. If he came tomorrow or the next couple of days, it would be the best," Chalerm told reporters at the government house before the first Cabinet meeting.

"I will be on hand at the airport to greet him myself and we will protect him," Chalerm told reporters. "I can arrange the best team for him overnight."

Thaksin's wife Pojamarn Shinawatra told a court last month that her husband will return to Thailand as early as April to fight charges in court.

Thaksin and his wife face corruption and conflict of interest charges in connection with her purchase of land bought from a state agency in 2003. Thaksin also faces charges of concealing assets in a separate case.

Justice Minister Sompong Amornwiwat said Thaksin will have to fight charges in court without help from government. "As the Justice Minister, I will not interfere in the case," Sompong said. "He has to fight the charges in court."

- Associated Press

[sriracha john]

Chalerm says he is ready to welcome Thaksin back

Interior Minster Chalerm Yoobamrung said he would get all prepared in two hours to welcome back former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra if Thaksin gives him a call.

“I believe he will return soon. If he calls me, I’ll tell him to fly back tomorrow but it’s up to his convenience,” Chalerm said.

“But if he has already bought a ticket, he could call me and I’ll make all preparations in two hours. I’ll take one hour to travel to the Suvarnabhumi airport and take another hour to make preparations at the airport.”

- The Nation

[monty]

At 8:35 this morning I got through Bangkok Post's breaking news SMS service the message that Thaksin "will" get his diplomatic passport back.

Yesterday the new foreign minister (Noppadon Pattama) already said he "should" get it back.

Which probably means they can't arrest him when he comes back...

They are paving the way methinks!

[A_Traveller]

Which probably means they can't arrest him when he comes back...

Just to clarify, the issuance of a Diplomatic passport does not protect the holder against prosecution within their home country, it is a courtesy issued to those whilst travelling as a facilitator.

Regards

Edited February 8, 2008 by A_Traveller

[Ricardo]

Wonder who Thaksin's new lawyer will be, now that his old one holds a senior Cabinet post, and presumably can no longer act for him ? Except when it comes to applying for a new diplomatic-passport, of course. Not that the Foreign Minister, expressing a view on the case, would influence honest civil-servants in any way.

Or does he even need a lawyer, since he's obviously innocent on all charges, also very rich & generous to the poor, and had nothing to do with corruption or mass-killings while the TRT-government was in power ? A real saint in fact !

Those dastardly media-types are the real culprits, wickedly ascribing to him things which he had actually said, I mean that's just not fair ! Asking all those awkward questions, prompting him to hold up his little bat, with a cross on.

Edited February 8, 2008 by Ricardo

[BigSnake]

Prosecutors vow to arrest Thaksin upon his return to Thailand

BANGKOK: -- Deposed Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra will be arrested if he returns home from a self-imposed exile as planned, even if his victorious allies form a government following last weekend's general election, officials said Thursday.

Thaksin and members of his family face an array of corruption-related charges from the former leader's six years in office. He was overthrown in a bloodless, military coup last year.

"The court and police had already issued arrest warrants on him so once he arrives back to Thailand the authorities concerned are duty-bound by law to arrest him," Samphan Sarathana, a senior official in the Office of the Attorney General told The Associated Press.

Samphan, a director-general in the office, said the results of the election, won by the pro-Thaksin People's Power Party, had no bearing on the legal cases against the former prime minister.

-- AP 2007-12-27

Core leaders celebrate PPP victory with Thaksin in Hong KongHang on he will be coming soon.

Bangkok: -- Core leaders of the People Power party have reportedly met with Thaksin Shinawatra in Hong Kong to celebrate the party’s victory at the polls, according to a source close to the People Power party (PPP).

The first batch of former members of the defunct Thai Rak Thai party had arrived in Hong Kong on Wednesday, the source claimed. They include key leaders of the PPP such as Yongyuth Tiyapairat, Sudarat Keyupapan and Danuporn Punakan. A second batch of PPP members will reportedly make their way to Hong Kong on Thursday.

An article in the South China Morning Post recently stated Mr Thaksin’s intention of using Hong Kong as his Asian base for his planned return to Thailand. The article also reiterated Mr Thaksin’s reluctance to return to the political limelight but that he may consider serving as adviser to the PPP if his asked to do so.

As rumours about the mass gathering of former Thai Rak Thai party members in Hong Kong continue to swirl,

PPP secretary-general Surapong Suebwonglee is busy defending his party’s reputation. He scoffed at rumours that the PPP had bribed three minor parties into forming a coalition government.

“The PPP never offered 1 billion baht to any political party to form a government with us as rumoured,” he said. “I don’t think there is any party that would want to lead a government knowing full well that it had been formed illegally.”

Mr Surapong also went on to deny rumours that PPP leader Samak Sundaravej had held secret talks with Chart Thai leader Banharn Silpa-archa, but admitted that core leaders from both sides had discussed the possibility of working together in the future.

--Bangkok Post 2007-12-27

[sriracha john]

Wonder who Thaksin's new lawyer will be, now that his old one holds a senior Cabinet post, and presumably can no longer act for him? Except when it comes to applying for a new diplomatic-passport, of course. Not that the Foreign Minister, expressing a view on the case, would influence honest civil-servants in any way.

Or does he even need a lawyer, since he's obviously innocent on all charges, also very rich & generous to the poor, and had nothing to do with corruption or mass-killings while the TRT-government was in power ? A real saint in fact !

Ricardo, I believe Thaksin's other lawyer is available since dodging a prison sentence. His background shows that he is suitably qualified to provide for his defense. Having a contempt of court conviction always impresses the judges.

Former lawyer of ousted PM jailed for contempt of court

Criminal Court sentenced a former lawyer of ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra to six months in jail and a fine of Bt70,000 for contempt of court.

However the court put Thana Benjathikul on probation for two years.

The court found Thana guilty of contempt of court for criticising the court on jailing three former Election Commission members.

Source: The Nation - 28 June 2007

Ex-Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's lawyer Thana Benjathikul, second from right

Edited February 8, 2008 by sriracha john

[sriracha john]

Thai PM says to push for Thaksin amnesty in 2 years

BANGKOK - New Thai Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej said on Friday he would push for the lifting of the political ban on ousted leader Thaksin Shinawatra and his top party officials in two years.

"They didn't do anything wrong," Samak said, referring to Thaksin and the 110 other senior members of his Thai Rak Thai (Thais Love Thais) party barred from politics for five years for election fraud.

Thaksin was removed in a September 2006 coup and now lives in exile in London and Hong Kong.

"So if we can give them amnesty, we should give," said Samak, who came to power as a self-confessed proxy for the still-exiled billionaire politician.

With a sympathetic administration in place in Bangkok, Thaksin looks likely to return to Thailand some time in May, although Samak said there was no question of the government trying to quash a corruption case filed against him and his wife.

"Thaksin must come back to face the court," the 72-year-old former Bangkok governor told foreign reporters two days after the official swearing in of a cabinet packed with Thaksin loyalists and their relatives.

"We must believe in the courts," he said.

The unashamedly right-wing Samak also vowed to resurrect Thaksin's 2003 "war on drugs", in which 2,500 alleged dealers were killed.

"It must be the same," Samak said of a campaign in which human rights groups accused Thaksin of giving police a licence to kill. Thaksin's administration said most of the deaths were the result of internecine drug turf wars.

Public concern about rising levels of narcotics abuse, especially in relatively poor rural areas, was a big issue in the Dec. 23 election in which Samak's People Power Party came within a whisker of an outright majority.

"Why would we let this happen in our country?" he said.

- Reuters

[sriracha john]

PM cool to fast return of Thaksin

Says matter should be left to take its course

PM Samak Sundaravej indicated yesterday that there was no real need for deposed PM Thaksin Shinawatra to return to Thailand earlier than originally planned. "I think the political situation has returned to normalcy. The entire world has congratulated us on this. They are happy for us. So, I will not discuss [about Thaksin's return]. Let the matter take its course," Samak said when asked if the present situation was conducive to Thaksin's return from self-imposed exile. The comment was deemed slightly out of character for Samak who is known to sympathize with the former PM who is facing abuse of power and corruption charges. Samak insisted his administration would not provide special treatment for the ousted PM. He also lashed out at Thaksin's critics who suggested the ousted PM's premature return would stir up chaos. Samak's remarks came in the wake of reports that Thaksin may return to the country sooner than expected. Suriyasai Katasila, Secretary-General of the Campaign for Popular Democracy doubted that the Samak government would leave the judicial process to take its course. "Our group has never objected to Thaksin's return. In fact, we want him to enter the judicial process. It would be better if he came back tomorrow," said Mr Suriyasai. *bold italicized emphasis mine*

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.net/News/09Feb2008_news01.php

Edited February 9, 2008 by sriracha john

[Plus]

I don't understand Samak's "last three months of my term" timeframe for TRT amnesty. Wouldn't their ban naturally expire by that time?

I think he was angry at people like Newin messing up with Samak's Cabinet.

[Siripon]

I don't understand Samak's "last three months of my term" timeframe for TRT amnesty. Wouldn't their ban naturally expire by that time?

I think he was angry at people like Newin messing up with Samak's Cabinet.

After the ban is lifted an election will have to follow, so it must be at the end of Samak's term. But that 'term' could be one or 2 years not necessarily the whole 4 years.

Indeed the latest news is after 2 years- Folks who take anything the PPP say at face value are exhibiting the symptoms sadly portrayed by Mr Prachai, namely kindergarten political knowledge.

Another point to consider is how will the new MPs feel if they have to give up their jobs after just a few months? In addition the public may feel a too early dissolution is a waste of public funds and PPP also need time for the populist policies' effects to kick in.

A weak Cabinet, as at present, could work in Thaksin's favour, PPP could argue if only the ban was lifted Thailand could have a higher quality Cabinet.

[ando]

In a country like Thailand where the army can march in and seize political power any time it chooses, -- anything can happen.

Thaksin wont be coming back unless he is pretty sure he can win the court cases.

Samak is a tough guy who has pretty well spelled out the way he wants things to go. The judges are not stupid. They can swing things one way or the other by exercising some discretion in their judgements. The long term political prognosis looks like the TRT/PPP, in some form or another are going to hold the power (all be it somewhat restricted), for the foreseeable future. The new political power base which the military tried to engineer has failed and now the generals have slinked away back into the shadows with their tails between their legs and are trying to make friends with the new government.

The judges are no less silly than the generals and can either choose to continue along with the anti-Thaksin momentum of the now defunct military regime, (which BTW would only create further divisiveness and political turmoil within the country), or they can take the softer option and smooth things over with some "discretionary" findings. As stated before, -- "insufficient evidence to gain a conviction" is always a good out for the judiciary in these "difficult" cases.

Certainly, there may be some individuals in the judicial system who will stick to their guns either through their own political bias or some noble sense of bureaucratic blind justice. The long term career prospects of those individuals may not be as bright as those of their more flexible peers now that the military regime and their plan for a new political power base has failed.

Politics is a dirty business in any country. Even the USA, which claims to be the bastion of democracy in the free world has its fair share of politically debatable decisions by the courts. Anyone who thinks Thai judges are mindless machines committed to carrying out justice to the letter of the law without regard to their personal future or the future of the country is living in a dream world. Those guys would be sitting at home in their living rooms sipping sherry and agonizing over the choices they will have to make, just like you or I would under the circumstances. Insufficient evidence sounds pretty good.

[ando]

I don't understand Samak's "last three months of my term" timeframe for TRT amnesty. Wouldn't their ban naturally expire by that time?

I think he was angry at people like Newin messing up with Samak's Cabinet.

After the ban is lifted an election will have to follow, so it must be at the end of Samak's term. But that 'term' could be one or 2 years not necessarily the whole 4 years.

Indeed the latest news is after 2 years- Folks who take anything the PPP say at face value are exhibiting the symptoms sadly portrayed by Mr Prachai, namely kindergarten political knowledge.

Another point to consider is how will the new MPs feel if they have to give up their jobs after just a few months? In addition the public may feel a too early dissolution is a waste of public funds and PPP also need time for the populist policies' effects to kick in.

A weak Cabinet, as at present, could work in Thaksin's favour, PPP could argue if only the ban was lifted Thailand could have a higher quality Cabinet.

Precisely!

That's the way I see it going down. When the coalition starts to fall apart it will become apparent that the country needs a strong united political leadership with experienced politicians at the helm. Its a big gamble with a lot of hurdles to overcome, but I don't think the TRT (or whatever future name it adopts) is finished yet! Without the support of a military dictatorship in power to run interference against TRT/PPP, I doubt the Democrats would be much of a hindrance. But Thaksin back as PM. I don't think so. I think he will become an ideological, behind the scenes leader in a consultative role.

[Samuian]

..........

They are paving the way methinks!

Sure!

Look at the "set up"!

[Tony Clifton]

I don't understand Samak's "last three months of my term" timeframe for TRT amnesty. Wouldn't their ban naturally expire by that time?

I think he was angry at people like Newin messing up with Samak's Cabinet.

After the ban is lifted an election will have to follow, so it must be at the end of Samak's term. But that 'term' could be one or 2 years not necessarily the whole 4 years.

Indeed the latest news is after 2 years- Folks who take anything the PPP say at face value are exhibiting the symptoms sadly portrayed by Mr Prachai, namely kindergarten political knowledge.

Another point to consider is how will the new MPs feel if they have to give up their jobs after just a few months? In addition the public may feel a too early dissolution is a waste of public funds and PPP also need time for the populist policies' effects to kick in.

A weak Cabinet, as at present, could work in Thaksin's favour, PPP could argue if only the ban was lifted Thailand could have a higher quality Cabinet.

They're very close to finding everyone in their entourage stuck in an endless loop by either being banned, lost face, fled, under investigation or been thrown in jail. Add to that that any respectable and qualified potential candidates who have already and will more and more refuse to have anything to do with this bunch due to their total lack of credibility.

The present cabinet is a result of TRT/PPP's toxic attitude and high tolerance towards it's own parasitic members. Feed a worm infested dog as much as you want, it'll remain skinny.

Edited February 9, 2008 by Tony Clifton

[ando]

They're very close to finding everyone in their entourage stuck in an endless loop by either being banned, lost face, fled, under investigation or been thrown in jail.

"Very close", -- but not quite just yet!

As they say, -- a day is a long time in politics, and anything can happen.

In a country where thugs with guns can take control of government at will and rewrite the constitution to their own favour, some other unusual turns of events might not be so surprising.

Thaksin is a master strategist with an intricate knowledge of how Thai politics and the Thai judicial system works. The obsessive Thaksin haters here have had him written off many times in the past, but much to their disappointment he still looms ominous on the horizon. While caricatures, and disparaging similes may make the anti-Thaksin, anti PPP/TRT crowd feel superior in the to and fro of this political contest, the fact remains that Thaksin and PPP are by far the most popular political identities in the country at this point in time and for the foreseeable future. The fact that even the military junta dictatorship could not sway the peoples democratic will must weigh heavily on the judges now charged with making decisions which will have profound influence on the political future of the country. VERY heavily indeed!

Edited February 10, 2008 by ando

[sriracha john]

They're very close to finding everyone in their entourage stuck in an endless loop by either being banned, lost face, fled, under investigation or been thrown in jail.

The obsessive Thaksin haters here have had him written off many times in the past, but much to their disappointment he still looms ominous on the horizon.

Actually, you have that backwards.... the pro-Thaksin folks wrote him off (or tried to), but I've never written off Thaksin... not yet anyway.

Thaksin's gone - get over it!

He's gone when the crematorium door closes shut.

[sriracha john]

PM cautious about Thaksin's return

BANGKOK -- Thai Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej said this week the scheduled return of his deposed predecessor, Thaksin Shinawatra, should be approached cautiously.

Samak said to have Thaksin return to Thailand earlier than originally scheduled could potentially disrupt the state of normalcy the Asian country is currently enjoying.

"I think the political situation has returned to normalcy," Samak said. "The entire world has congratulated us on this. They are happy for us. So, I will not discuss (about Thaksin's return). Let the matter take its course."

Thaksin is living in exile outside of Thailand after being accused of corruption and abusing the power of his position.

Samak said Thaksin, who is scheduled to return in May, did have a right to return to his native land.

"I see him as an ordinary Thai who has the right to come back to fight the charges (against him). He will be under police protection and the Cabinet ministers will not interfere,'' he said.

- United Press International

[ando]

Actually, you have that backwards.... the pro-Thaksin folks wrote him off (or tried to), but I've never written off Thaksin... not yet anyway.

Hee, hee.

Perhaps you could join Thaksin and the generals in a friendly game of golf?

P.S. Beware of the backswing.

[sriracha john]

Actually, you have that backwards.... the pro-Thaksin folks wrote him off (or tried to), but I've never written off Thaksin... not yet anyway.

Hee, hee.

Perhaps you could join Thaksin and the generals in a friendly game of golf?

P.S. Beware of the backswing.

Thanks, but I'd rather prefer to play a round of links with Lydia... but without that funny-looking, weird guy tagging along...

[Plus]

The way people turned down PPP's invitations to join the government is ominous. They can bring as many peasants to election booths but they can't make them run the country.

Without acceptance among the "elites" the government simply cannot function. They can have all the plans and policies in place, they can't FORCE people to implement them. If people don't want to do something, they won't, as simple as that.

The days when TRT could twist their arms are long gone. And in those days the policies looked promising and had a fair amount of support.

Already we see businessmen talling Mingkwan to back off with his "reduce the prices of your products" policy, before he even started. Samak's water plan, Somchai's million computers plan, Surapong's remove 30% rule plan - they are all opposed by people who are supposed to implement them.

I doubt PPP will even be able to force people at Government Savings bank and others to implement their debt forgiveness or SML loan, or student loan programs. The number of defaults is too high, they can see their banks sinking in no time.

[ando]

Actually, you have that backwards.... the pro-Thaksin folks wrote him off (or tried to), but I've never written off Thaksin... not yet anyway.

Hee, hee.

Perhaps you could join Thaksin and the generals in a friendly game of golf?

P.S. Beware of the backswing.

Thanks, but I'd rather prefer to play a round of links with Lydia... but without that funny-looking, weird guy tagging along...

Arr yes, Thailand. Who is it that has two wives? I thought bigamy was against the law? Exceptions apply of course.

Flexible rules allow for some funny things to happen you know.

[sriracha john]

Adultery is also illegal... unless you buy the adorable couple are just "friends"...

[Jai Dee]

Dr. Surapong says he is unaware of return of Dr. Thaksin

The Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister, Dr. Surapong Suebwonglee (สุรพงษ์ สืบวงศ์ลี), says he has not been notified that the deposed Prime Minister and former leader of the dissolved Thai Rak Thai Party, Dr. Thaksin Shinawatra (ทักษิณ ชินวัตร), might return to Thailand today (February 14th). Dr. Surapong says he has not talked with Dr. Thaksin for a long time, and he only heard such rumors from the media.

Concerning the withdrawal of the 30-percent capital reserve requirement, the Finance Minister says he usually asks advices and suggestions on this matter from Mr. Panthasak Winyarat (พันธ์ศักดิ์ วิญญรัตน์), the former advisor to Dr. Thaksin, as he is a capable person. He says it is therefore not significant whether Mr. Panthasak will join the meeting with relevant units to consider this issue.

Dr. Surapong also insists that he will not use the system of appointing his associates as the manager of state banks and enterprises. He says the measures will have to be clearer before deciding whether certain high-ranking officials would be transferred.

Dr. Surapong says he has no plans to take state enterprises into the stock market yet.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 14 Febuary 2008

[sriracha john]

Thaksin vows to return from exile

Thaksin says he will not resume his career in politics

HONG KONG -- Thailand's former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra said Tuesday he would return from exile early next year and face corruption charges, but would not resume his career in politics.

After the political party that backs him won nearly half the seats in Sunday's parliamentary elections, Thaksin told a news conference in Hong Kong that he hoped to return by February 14 -- St. Valentine's Day -- or April at the latest after Thailand's new government is in place.

- CNN

I guess the much vaunted "Valentine Day's Return" is off....

Lawyer: Thailand's ousted PM Thaksin ready to return by April

BANGKOK, Thailand: Deposed Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra plans to return to Thailand from self-imposed exile by mid-April and is prepared to defend himself in court against corruption-related charges, his lawyer said Monday.

- Associated Press

Well, Valentine's Day has come and gone... and no Thakky

....but I suppose we need to modify the above photo caption to read at the time: "I'll be over to see you in around four months or so... Take care of yourself until then."

Thaksin friends deny he will return today

Foreign Minister Noppadon Pattama denied rumours that ousted PM Thaksin Shinawatra was scheduled to return to Thailand on Valentine's Day. "From what I know, he will not return today," Noppadon, former legal aide of Thaksin, said in a morning radio program. Interior Minister Chalerm Yubamrung also ruled out speculation by several newspapers that the ex-PM would return. Local newspapers "reported" that Thaksin is currently in Singapore and would take a morning flight to Suvarnabhumi Airport today. *but alas, mai mee Thakky*

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=125919

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

Funny how it's easy to construe Noppadope's words as saying Thaksin was the source of the rumor, given the first quote.

Edited February 14, 2008 by sriracha john

[sriracha john]

Surapong says he is unaware of return of Thaksin

The Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister, Surapong Suebwonglee, says he has not been notified that the deposed PM and former leader of the dissolved Thai Rak Thai Party, Thaksin Shinawatra, might return to Thailand today. Surapong says he has not talked with Thaksin for a long time, and he only heard such rumors from the media.

He needs to get in on Noppadope's conference calls...

Thai Foreign Minister denies plans to meet old boss in Singapore

Bangkok - Thailand's new Foreign Minister Noppadon Pattama will visit Singapore next week but he has quickly denied reports that he will meet his old boss, former premier Thaksin Shinawatra, while there.

He said he will attend a ministerial meeting of the Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN), which Singapore now chairs.

Noppadon, who was a lawyer for ousted premier Thaksin before his current job, was quick to deny reports that he will also meet with his previous boss, who is visiting the city-state.

"I probably will not meet with Thaksin, because at that time he is scheduled to be in Hong Kong," said Noppadon, who acknowledged that he had recently talked to Thaksin on telephone.

He also denied rumors that Thaksin, who has been in self-exile was planning to return to Bangkok soon. "He will return before May, but he will not come back quietly or sneak in," he said.

One of the first things Noppadon did as Foreign Minister was to recommend that Thaksin be granted a new diplomatic passport.

Thaksin's diplomatic passport was revoked in 2007 after a warrant was issued for his arrest to pressure him to return to Thailand to face charges of abuse of power.

- Associated Press

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

Perhaps they can exchange the large, bulging, 8 x 11 envelope at the Changi airport in a hand-off while one is coming and the other is going...

Edited February 14, 2008 by sriracha john

[bulmercke]

Surapong says he is unaware of return of Thaksin

The Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister, Surapong Suebwonglee, says he has not been notified that the deposed PM and former leader of the dissolved Thai Rak Thai Party, Thaksin Shinawatra, might return to Thailand today. Surapong says he has not talked with Thaksin for a long time, and he only heard such rumors from the media.

He needs to get in on Noppadope's conference calls...

Thai Foreign Minister denies plans to meet old boss in Singapore

Bangkok - Thailand's new Foreign Minister Noppadon Pattama will visit Singapore next week but he has quickly denied reports that he will meet his old boss, former premier Thaksin Shinawatra, while there.

He said he will attend a ministerial meeting of the Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN), which Singapore now chairs.

Noppadon, who was a lawyer for ousted premier Thaksin before his current job, was quick to deny reports that he will also meet with his previous boss, who is visiting the city-state.

"I probably will not meet with Thaksin, because at that time he is scheduled to be in Hong Kong," said Noppadon, who acknowledged that he had recently talked to Thaksin on telephone.

He also denied rumors that Thaksin, who has been in self-exile was planning to return to Bangkok soon. "He will return before May, but he will not come back quietly or sneak in," he said.

One of the first things Noppadon did as Foreign Minister was to recommend that Thaksin be granted a new diplomatic passport.

Thaksin's diplomatic passport was revoked in 2007 after a warrant was issued for his arrest to pressure him to return to Thailand to face charges of abuse of power.

- Associated Press

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

Perhaps they can exchange the large, bulging, 8 x 11 envelope at the Changi airport in a hand-off while one is coming and the other is going...

Foreign Minister Noppadon Pattama is still, in effect, Thaksin's lawyer.

Of course, Thaksin will get a new diplomatic passport.

Talk about duality.

Thaksin will return in March - and will be greeted by tens of thousands - if not hundreds of thousands - of loyal and patriotic PPP supporters lining the route from the airport all the way to his residence on Charang Sanitwong Road - such will be the hype and manipulation of the masses by this lame-duck Samak government.

Something to look forward to - I trust you not!

[John K]

With the pending EC decision on Mr. Y. going against the Thaksin team, expect some changes here on Thaksin’s return date.