sriracha john Posted February 26, 2008 Share Posted February 26, 2008 Thaksin stuns Thailand with news of his return Thaksin Shinawatra, the former Thai prime minister, has announced that he will return from exile this week 18 months after he was ousted in a bloodless 2006 coup, sending shockwaves through the country. A message on Thaksin's official website urged supporters of the Manchester City owner to welcome “Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra: The One We Love & Miss For Years” when he flies into the Thai capital on Thursday morning. He could face immediate arrest on a corruption charge. The site showed a picture of Thaksin with his right hand raised giving the victory sign, superimposed over an image of Bangkok’s international airport as fireworks exploded overhead. His plans were confirmed by Noppadon Pattama, the Thai Foreign Minister who acted as Thaksin's lawyer and spokesman during his exile in London and Hong Kong. “I think and I believe that Thaksin will return on the 28th,” Noppadon told reporters in Bangkok. The prospect of Thaksin's imminent return reverberated through the country's political circle and prompted Samak Sundaravej, the newly elected Prime Minister, to call for calm. Samak, a former TV chef, described himself as a Thaksin proxy during the campaign for last December's general election and has said that he would push for Thaksin’s five-year ban from politics to be lifted. “I want to urge the Thai people not to be concerned,” Samak said. “I do not anticipate any unwanted incidents. There will be no chaos.” Thaksin faces a corruption charge relating to his wife’s purchase of a prime piece of Bangkok real estate while in office. He denies the charge. His Thai Rak Thai (Thais Love Thais) party was disbanded for electoral fraud after the coup and 111 senior party officials, Thaksin included, banned from political life. Rakkiat Wattapong, the Supreme Court Secretary-General, said yesterday that Thaksin would be detained when he arrives in Thailand. - The Times (UK) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sriracha john Posted February 27, 2008 Share Posted February 27, 2008 One website envisioned this as his return at the airport: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
plachon Posted February 27, 2008 Share Posted February 27, 2008 One website envisioned this as his return at the airport: You mean Samak's reserved a place for him in the Ministry of Silly Walks? He should have Chalerm and Co goose-stepping in line in no time at all. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ricardo Posted February 27, 2008 Share Posted February 27, 2008 Meanwhile, Thai Foreign Minister Noppadon Pattama held a news conference Tuesday morning, saying "Thaksin will personally outline his plans and everything will be clear". Noppadon said the anti-Thaksin rally planned by the People's Alliance for Democracy would not change Thaksin's scheduled return. Wasn't Noppadope supposed to have resigned, as Thaksin's lawyer & official spokesman, when he took up his new position, as Foreign Minister ? Yet he still comments, on his former boss's plans & schedule, as though he remains on the payroll. Surely not - although swinging a new diplomatic-passport for him, ought to be worth a decent 'drink', I suppose ! One website envisioned this as his return at the airport: You mean Samak's reserved a place for him in the Ministry of Silly Walks? He should have Chalerm and Co goose-stepping in line in no time at all. Just my thought too. Now if only he can get the arm-gesture right, and grow a little moustache, we'll all be able to 'do the Lambeth Walk', as Thailand's new national dance ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sriracha john Posted February 27, 2008 Share Posted February 27, 2008 Ousted Premier Is Set to Return to Thailand, Officials Say BANGKOK — Seventeen months after being ousted in a military coup, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra was set to return to Thailand on Thursday, officials close to him said Tuesday. With the installation of a sympathetic government, Thaksin was prepared to face corruption charges that have been filed against him, Foreign Minister Noppadol Pattama said. Thaksin was removed in a nonviolent military coup in September 2006 while he was abroad and has mostly lived in London since then, although he has traveled often to Asia and has remained active behind the scenes in Thai politics. Thaksin has not publicly announced his plans, but on Tuesday his official Web site posted a notice to his supporters to greet him at the airport at 9 a.m. on Thursday. “Welcome home Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra whom we love, miss and have been waiting to return for more than a year,” the Web site said. The Secretary-General of the Supreme Court, Rakkiat Wattapong, said Thaksin would be detained as soon as he arrived. His lawyers said he would surrender to the police and would seek immediate release on bail. He and his wife, Pojaman, face charges of corruption and conflict of interest in connection with her purchase of land from a state agency while he was in power. Thaksin also faces separate charges of concealing his assets. His wife returned in January, was taken into custody and was released on bail pending trial. The army commander, Gen. Anupong Paochinda, who was one of the coup leaders, said Thaksin would be provided extra security on his return. An anti-Thaksin group, the People’s Alliance for Democracy, has said it will protest his return. A new pro-Thaksin party, the People Power Party, was elected in December, and its leaders have said they would bring him back and clear his name. The new prime minister, Samak Sundaravej, said he would pardon the party leaders but has been vague about the timing. Over the past months, the prospect of Thaksin’s return has raised worries among political analysts of a resumption of the political tensions that culminated in the coup. “I want to urge the Thai people not to be concerned,” Samak told reporters. “I do not anticipate any unwanted incidents. There will be no chaos.” - New York Times Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sriracha john Posted February 27, 2008 Share Posted February 27, 2008 Thaksin is expected to return to Thailand on Thursday BANGKOK: Thaksin Shinawatra, the deposed Thai prime minister, will return to Thailand from 17 months in exile Thursday to fight corruption charges, according to the Foreign Minister and Thaksin's Web site. The prospect of Thaksin's imminent return sent shock waves through the country's political circles, prompting the new prime minister, Samak Sundaravej, to call for calm. Samak and his People Power Party, which is packed with Thaksin allies, won general elections Dec. 23. Foreign Minister Noppadon Pattama, a close ally of Thaksin's, and his former lawyer, said he expected Thaksin to return Thursday. "As far as I know from my meeting with him, he will return Thursday," Noppadon said, although he did not elaborate. Noppadon met with Thaksin in China over the weekend. On Tuesday, Thaksin's official Web site posted a picture of the former prime minister with his right hand raised giving the victory sign, superimposed on an image of Bangkok's international airport as fireworks exploded overhead. The site urged Thais to greet Thaksin at the airport at 9 a.m. Thursday. "Welcome home Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, whom we love, miss and have been waiting to return for over a year," the Web site said in Thai. Thaksin will be provided police security upon his return, said an army commander, General Anupong Paochinda, who was one of the coup leaders. Thaksin was abroad during the coup and has lived overseas since then, mostly in London and Hong Kong. He said earlier this year that he planned to return in April to fight corruption charges. The chief of Thaksin's legal defense team, Pichit Chuenban, said Thaksin would surrender to the police when he arrived and seek his release on bail. Thaksin and his wife, Pojaman, face corruption and conflict of interest charges in connection with her purchase of prime Bangkok real estate from a state agency in 2003, while he was prime minister. Pojaman returned to Thailand in January and was released on bail pending trial. Thaksin also faces separate charges of concealing assets. - Associated Press Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sriracha john Posted February 27, 2008 Share Posted February 27, 2008 (edited) Thaksin back tomorrow It’s pretty much official, Thaksin Shinawatra is due to arrive at Suvarnabhumi airport via TG 603 from Hong Kong at 9:40am tomorrow, according to sources close to him. Both the Shinawatra family’s lawyer, Pichit Chuenban and the Deputy Secretary-General of the Prime Minister in charge of politics, Supamart Israpakdi made public statements affirming Thaksin’s arrival tomorrow. Ms Supamart admitted during a television interview this morning that she had met with the ex-premier during the New Year. She was later involved in planning his return and said authorities are discouraging people from going to Suvarnabhumi to welcome him tomorrow to avoid inconveniencing other passengers. "Thaksin didn’t even want to announce the date of his arrival but the news was somehow leaked to the public. That’s when the People Power Party executives decided to announce details of his return. He had wanted a quiet return, just like when Potjaman came Continued here: http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/27Feb2008_news01.php Edited February 27, 2008 by sriracha john Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sriracha john Posted February 27, 2008 Share Posted February 27, 2008 (edited) Thaksin back tomorrowIt’s pretty much official, Thaksin Shinawatra is due to arrive at Suvarnabhumi airport via TG 603 from Hong Kong at 9:40am tomorrow, according to sources close to him. Both the Shinawatra family’s lawyer, Pichit Chuenban and the Deputy Secretary-General of the Prime Minister in charge of politics, Supamart Israpakdi made public statements affirming Thaksin’s arrival tomorrow. Continued here: http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/27Feb2008_news01.php Bit of confusion created by the new government in the method he's returning... and even from where he is coming from... Thaksin to jet back in to Bangkok tomorrow Deposed PM Thaksin will arrive in his private jet at Suvarnabhumi airport tomorrow morning, Foreign Minister Noppadon Pattama confirmed yesterday. Noppadon said Thaksin would issue a statement outlining the details of when his jet will arrive. According to Noppadon, Thaksin is now in Beijing. Meanwhile, state legal and security agencies were preparing for the arrival of the former PM. The team of public prosecutors in charge of the cases against Thaksin and his wife is seeking advice from Attorney-General Chaikasem Nitisiri on whether to oppose Thaksin's bail request when he arrives. Upon arrival, Thaksin is expected to turn himself in to face the case at the Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions. The Supreme Court issued arrest warrants for Thaksin and his wife in August last year after the couple failed to appear for the first hearing of the case. Nanthasak Poolsuk, Chief of region 8 apellate litigation prosecutors said that after Thaksin surrendered to the Supreme Court, the court would ask for the prosecution team's opinion on his bail request before ruling on whether or not to grant it. "I was unofficially informed that Thaksin plans to ask for bail with a requested condition that he would be allowed to go abroad for business trips," he said. Potjaman was granted bail by the court after she returned from Hong Kong in late January but she was prohibited from going abroad without court permission. Mr Nanthasak's team has not yet decided whether it will oppose Thaksin's bail request. He said that after Thaksin turns himself in to the Supreme Court, investigators at the DSI will have the authority to take him into custody as a suspect for allegedly concealing his ownership of shares in SC Asset Corporation Plc. Thaksin will ask for bail in this case as well. Newly-appointed DSI acting Chief Pol Col Tawee Sodsong yesterday held a high-level meeting to prepare criminal cases related to Thaksin, especially the SC Asset charges. Continued here: http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/27Feb2008_news03.php ================================================================ The very recent sacking of the previous DSI Chief couldn't have come at a more opportune time for Thaksin... Edited February 27, 2008 by sriracha john Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jai Dee Posted February 27, 2008 Share Posted February 27, 2008 Supreme Court warns that crowds may be held in contempt Secretary of the Supreme Court for Crimes committed by Political Figures Rakriat Wattanapong (รักเกียรติ วัฒนพงษ์) revealed the legal process in which former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinwatra will follow once he returns to Thailand. He stated that the court will follow standard procedures without any special concessions to the deposed government leader. Mr. Rakriat warns though that if crowds gather in front of the court they may be charged with contempt and disruption of judicial proceedings. He has asked police to contribute their assistance while warning gatherers not to create commotions. The Supreme Court Secretary expressed that Dr Thaksin’s proceedings will probably not take a long time and will resemble the process that was undergone by his wife Khungying Pojaman Shinawtra, unless prosecutors contest a request for bail. Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 27 February 2008 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony Clifton Posted February 27, 2008 Share Posted February 27, 2008 Thaksin's lawyer Pichit Chuenban said his client wanted to return home quietly. "Thaksin wants his return to remain a low key event without any fanfare and has asked the people not to welcome him at the airport as this would cause inconveniences for other travellers," Pichit said. The Nation --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- And yet, here's a fantasy picture of his return taken from his own website. I bet someone will have had a microphone and podium set up for him either at the airport or after his court appearance. The danger is not in him being here, but in how he and his entourage use the media to wind them up, that's what they have to watch out for. I'd have him instructed to be cut off completely from the media until he's done with the justice system, his spotlight and media cravings may then actually prevent him from dragging his cases forever. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sriracha john Posted February 27, 2008 Share Posted February 27, 2008 (edited) At least the Supreme Court's warning above will knock off the drama queen show at the court building... However, the circus show flows on at the airport.... Welcome home party It's starting to look like Suvarnabhumi airport will be mobbed on Thursday morning. "We cannot stop people who love (Thaksin) from greeting him," says a senior official. Supporters of ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra in fact will organise transportation for "people who love him" to get to the airport in lots of time for his arrival from Hong Kong, scheduled for 9:40a.m. Thailand time - 0240 GMT. A number of former MPs and officials in the TRT government overthrown by the Sept 19, 2006, military coup, flew to Hong Kong on Wednesday so they could fly back into Suvaranabhumi with "the big boss" on Thursday. "As of this moment it is confirmed" that Thaksin will be on the Thai Airways International flight, said Supamas Isarapakdi, a top aide to PM Samak. That is when she added, to the Associated Press news agency: "The party and government want his return to be quiet, but we cannot stop people who love him from greeting him at the airport." *so AoT and security officials can't control the airport??? That's not very reassuring on another level * One person certain to be at the airport is Interior Minister Chalerm Yubambrung, who has bragged for weeks he will be on hand when the ex-premier returns. "I will be there as the old friend ... who promised voters that if they chose the People's Power Party we would bring Thaksin back with full honours," he told reporters. Thaksin, after he makes it out of the expected airport chaos and hero worship, is expected to turn himself in to the Supreme Court. Continued here: http://www.bangkokpost.com/topstories/tops...s.php?id=126182 Edited February 27, 2008 by sriracha john Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sriracha john Posted February 27, 2008 Share Posted February 27, 2008 (edited) Deputy PM pleads for unity over Thaksin return BANGKOK - As the hour of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra's return to Thailand looms closer, Deputy Prime Minister Surapong Suebwonglee is urging both supporters and opponents of the ex-premier to refrain from any move that could plunge Thai society into an even deeper rift, saying as a citizen the former premier is entitled to return to his home country. Thaksin's close aides said the ex-premier, who has been in largely self-imposed exile since the September 2006 coup that toppled his administration, will return to Thailand on Thursday to fight charges of corruption and abuse of power. Amid increasing concern regarding possible clashes between supporters and opponents of the conflicting parties over the ex-premier's homecoming, Surapong, who is also the People Power Party's Secretary-General, urged all parties across the political spectrum not to link the return to any kind of political conflict. "Thaksin has the right as a Thai citizen to return to his home country," he emphasised, so "that is not a cause for concern. He is returning to fight for justice in his court case, which should not be linked to politics." "Differing opinions are acceptable, but they should not lead to serious division at a time when the country needs unity to drive it forward," the deputy prime minister. Surapong made the plea following an anti-Thaksin coalition announced on Monday they would renew their campaign if the justice system is interfered with after Thaksin's return to the country. Meanwhile, groups of Thaksin supporters also announced that they would turn up at Suvarnabhumi airport to show their support to the former premier once he arrives. *so is Surapong also "pleading" to these yoohoo's to not do so in the interests of "national unity" or is all this one-sided because, despite the opening paragraph, it does. Thaksin and his wife, who returned to Thailand last month and was released on bail pending trial, have both repeatedly denied any wrongdoing. Pichit Chuenban, Thaksin's defence lawyer, said his client would turn himself in to police when he arrives and will seek his release on bail. - TNA Edited February 27, 2008 by sriracha john Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jai Dee Posted February 27, 2008 Share Posted February 27, 2008 Thai officials say Thaksin to return from exile Thursday Former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra plans to return to Thailand on Thursday for the first time since the military toppled his government in a bloodless coup 17 months ago, officials said. Thaksin has lived in exile since the coup, staying mainly in Britain where he owns Manchester City football club. Two government officials said Thaksin would arrive in Bangkok at 9:40 am (0240 GMT) Thursday on a Thai Airways flight from Hong Kong. "As far as I know, he will be on the Thai Airways flight arriving in Bangkok mid-morning tomorrow," said Supamas Isarabhakdi, a close aide to Thaksin who now works in the office of Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej. A second senior official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed Thaksin would arrive Thursday in Bangkok and then go directly to the Supreme Court and the justice ministry's special investigations department to hear corruption charges against him. The chief of immigration at Bangkok's airport, Lieutenant Colonel Pakkapong Sai-ubon, said a special room was being prepared for Thaksin's arrival, adding that he would be handed over to police immediately on arrival to be taken to court. The corruption charges were brought by the previous military regime, which Samak's government replaced after winning elections in December. Samak openly campaigned as a proxy for Thaksin and had promised voters to bring the divisive former premier back to Thailand. Thaksin is still adored by his supporters, mainly in rural Thailand where his populist policies poured money into local economies. But his opponents in Bangkok have already threatened to take to the streets if the new elected government tries to interfere in corruption cases against him. Samak on Tuesday warned activists not to take to the streets, and officials have said that protesters could be charged with obstruction of justice if they block Thaksin's movements as he reports to court. Samak told Japanese media Wednesday that he had not spoken with Thaksin but that he welcomed the billionaire politician's homecoming. "It's normal that he must defend himself in the court and my government will not interfere," Samak said according to an account of the briefing released by his spokesman. Thaksin is expected to seek bail when he appears to hear the charges. His wife Pojaman, who is charged in the same corruption cases, was granted bail when she returned to the country last month. Thaksin and Pojaman each face up to 13 years in prison over two graft charges alleging she used her husband's political influence to buy prime Bangkok property from a government agency at about one third of its estimated value. They also face separate charges at the special investigations unit, accusing them of fraudulent filings to the Securities and Exchange Commission over the 2003 listing of a property company. Thaksin faces a barrage of other legal worries. Army-backed authorities have frozen about two billion dollars worth of his assets pending the outcomes of nearly a dozen corruption investigations. He has also been slapped with a five-year ban from politics. Samak has already floated the idea of granting him an amnesty in two years' time, but Thaksin might try to press for a speedier solution. On his first day back in the country, Thaksin was also expected to visit the Grand Palace in Bangkok, to pay respects to the late sister of King Bhumibol Adulyadej. One of the military's key accusations against Thaksin was that he lacked respect for the monarchy, a revered institution in Thailand. Samak, whose family has long-running ties with the palace, has vigorously defended Thaksin's devotion to the throne. Source: AFP - 27 February 2008 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sriracha john Posted February 27, 2008 Share Posted February 27, 2008 (edited) The chief of immigration at Bangkok's airport, Lieutenant Colonel Pakkapong Sai-ubon, said a special room was being prepared for Thaksin's arrival Immigration and customs might have heard that at times there are large amount of various illicit substances smuggled internally by passengers from Hong Kong so the need to conduct a proper and thorough examination could explain that. Edited February 27, 2008 by sriracha john Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ando Posted February 27, 2008 Share Posted February 27, 2008 The danger is not in him being here, but in how he and his entourage use the media to wind them up, that's what they have to watch out for. I'd have him instructed to be cut off completely from the media until he's done with the justice system, his spotlight and media cravings may then actually prevent him from dragging his cases forever. Unfortunately, you are but a GUEST in HIS country. So your grandois dreams of what you would do if you were running the country don't count. Some strange people here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ando Posted February 27, 2008 Share Posted February 27, 2008 The chief of immigration at Bangkok's airport, Lieutenant Colonel Pakkapong Sai-ubon, said a special room was being prepared for Thaksin's arrival Immigration and customs might have heard that at times there are large amount of various illicit substances smuggled internally by passengers from Hong Kong so the need to conduct a proper and thorough examination could explain that. Another really intelligent comment. The standard has dropped a bit since I have been away me thinks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plus Posted February 27, 2008 Share Posted February 27, 2008 Did you have a humour gland removal operation? Or do you believe SJ was seriously proposing a full body cavity check? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steveromagnino Posted February 27, 2008 Share Posted February 27, 2008 The standard has dropped a bit since I have been away me thinks. To say nothing of its state since your return Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kiakaha Posted February 27, 2008 Share Posted February 27, 2008 Are they going to use the Hello Kitty police division with the Hello Kitty Xmas handcuff set for this arrest ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Siripon Posted February 27, 2008 Share Posted February 27, 2008 The chief of immigration at Bangkok's airport, Lieutenant Colonel Pakkapong Sai-ubon, said a special room was being prepared for Thaksin's arrival Immigration and customs might have heard that at times there are large amount of various illicit substances smuggled internally by passengers from Hong Kong so the need to conduct a proper and thorough examination could explain that. Another really intelligent comment. The standard has dropped a bit since I have been away me thinks. Yes, since the dastardly military dictators left the stage as promised we've had several interesting statements from the true voices of the people- only one unfortunate died on October 6 1976, they died in Tak Bai because one dehydrated Muslim fell over toppling the rest, it's only 'natural' if more than 2,500 die in the next drug war, October 6 1976 happened because of one drunk policeman firing a gun. Long Live The Power Of The People Party! true revolutionaries. Now I understand what young husband meant when he said the genie was truly out of the bottle. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plus Posted February 27, 2008 Share Posted February 27, 2008 Now I understand what young husband meant when he said the genie was truly out of the bottle. It's the wrong bottle. It also looks like some people can judge ginnies only by the labels. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JacknDanny Posted February 27, 2008 Share Posted February 27, 2008 The danger is not in him being here, but in how he and his entourage use the media to wind them up, that's what they have to watch out for. I'd have him instructed to be cut off completely from the media until he's done with the justice system, his spotlight and media cravings may then actually prevent him from dragging his cases forever. Unfortunately, you are but a GUEST in HIS country. Since when has Thailand belonged to Thaksin?? Having said that, therein lies the problem, that he, like you, believes that to be true Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony Clifton Posted February 27, 2008 Share Posted February 27, 2008 The danger is not in him being here, but in how he and his entourage use the media to wind them up, that's what they have to watch out for. I'd have him instructed to be cut off completely from the media until he's done with the justice system, his spotlight and media cravings may then actually prevent him from dragging his cases forever. Unfortunately, you are but a GUEST in HIS country. So your grandois dreams of what you would do if you were running the country don't count. Some strange people here. Grandiose guest. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sriracha john Posted February 27, 2008 Share Posted February 27, 2008 (edited) Time magazine raised an interesting little point I hadn't considered... Thaksin has never seen his finished airport... and the first time he will, he'll be getting arrested there... (although a strong case could be made that the airport is still not finished) Edited February 27, 2008 by sriracha john Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zpete Posted February 27, 2008 Share Posted February 27, 2008 Well, today is "T" day. It will be interesting to see what actually happens. He could sneak in a backdoor. Not likely, Thaksin likes all the notoriety and publicity. Gunna be fun, I hope powers that be, don't back off the arrest. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sriracha john Posted February 27, 2008 Share Posted February 27, 2008 amazingly, he STILL clings to this "I've quit politics" horse manure.... Thaksin set to return to Thailand, but not to politics, he says HONG KONG - When ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra makes his planned return Thursday from 17 months of exile, he will face arrest for alleged financial crimes. I just want to be going back as a normal citizen and would like to live my life peacefully with my family," Thaksin said Wednesday in Hong Kong before his return. But the former prime minister inspires fear and loathing almost as much as adulation, and his return could re-ignite the deep political divisions that led to his downfall. In Hong Kong, Thaksin reiterated a vow to stay out of politics. "I quit politics already. No more, no more prime minister," he said while dining at a Chinese restaurant with about 40 supporters. Neither his fans nor his foes take his words very seriously. Thaksin had said he would not return until democracy was restored to Thailand, which was taken to mean a government which might not pressure him too hard on the legal front. Thaksin on Wednesday called the corruption and conflict of interest charges "unjust, unfair allegations" and said "I have to get myself bail." Thaksin said the charges were "cooked up by my political enemies" and he would fight them in court. But he added he harbors some concern for his safety. "I am, and my relatives are, worried about my security. So my schedule in Thailand is not fixed by me, but by people around me," said Thaksin, who will also be met at the airport by several Cabinet ministers. - Associated Press Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sriracha john Posted February 28, 2008 Share Posted February 28, 2008 In keeping with the thread title, I'm presuming he can be arrested upon arrival in Chiang Mai just as easily as he would be in Bangkok.*N/A as the "Thaksin supporters" that reported this were wrong.* I would further presume that he would be necessarily transported quickly, under custody, to Bangkok in order to face the courts there for his outstanding arrest warrants, the same as Potjaman was, as I wouldn't think this legal processing could occur in Chiang Mai. *Check. Omitting the N/A Chiang Mai portion, he was brought first to the Supreme Court then DSI where the proceedings occurred.* I would lastly presume that he would be prohibited from traveling outside of Thailand, after his bail is processed in the Bangkok courts, which is the same bail condition that was issued to Potjaman. *Check. Same travel restrictions imposed on him.* These are all theoretical options I suppose but fall into the category of wish fulfilment.The reality is that a deal is being thrashed out now and , if successful, bail will be arranged in advance and/or the charges will be dropped or frozen.The quid pro quo will be something like a pledge from Thaksin not to seek elected office for a specified time.Pure conjecture on my part but of one thing I'm certain, the ludicrous fantasies about Thaksin's arrest and detention ain't going to materialise.In short there will be a short term compromise while the Prem and Thaksin networks limber up for the final battle. Amazing how all the applicable "ludicrous fantasies" came true. Not wish fulfillment at all, but rather simply those options listed were based on factual and historical precedence with his wife having already tested the waters. As they are listed on the same warrants, why do you think they would treat him any different than his wife, who incidentally was treated quite well for a wanted fugitive? What's so "ludicrous" about expecting the same for him? What's so "fantastical" about recognizing precedence? In case you hadn't noticed there has been a general election in which the party favouring Thaksin easily won.That changes everything.Anyway no need for us to debate.Just wait and see who is right. It's ok, I won't gloat about being right. But, maybe if you asked nicely, John K could help you improve your 0 and 2 record. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
younghusband Posted February 28, 2008 Share Posted February 28, 2008 In keeping with the thread title, I'm presuming he can be arrested upon arrival in Chiang Mai just as easily as he would be in Bangkok.*N/A as the "Thaksin supporters" that reported this were wrong.* I would further presume that he would be necessarily transported quickly, under custody, to Bangkok in order to face the courts there for his outstanding arrest warrants, the same as Potjaman was, as I wouldn't think this legal processing could occur in Chiang Mai. *Check. Omitting the N/A Chiang Mai portion, he was brought first to the Supreme Court then DSI where the proceedings occurred.* I would lastly presume that he would be prohibited from traveling outside of Thailand, after his bail is processed in the Bangkok courts, which is the same bail condition that was issued to Potjaman. *Check. Same travel restrictions imposed on him.* These are all theoretical options I suppose but fall into the category of wish fulfilment.The reality is that a deal is being thrashed out now and , if successful, bail will be arranged in advance and/or the charges will be dropped or frozen.The quid pro quo will be something like a pledge from Thaksin not to seek elected office for a specified time.Pure conjecture on my part but of one thing I'm certain, the ludicrous fantasies about Thaksin's arrest and detention ain't going to materialise.In short there will be a short term compromise while the Prem and Thaksin networks limber up for the final battle. Amazing how all the applicable "ludicrous fantasies" came true. Not wish fulfillment at all, but rather simply those options listed were based on factual and historical precedence with his wife having already tested the waters. As they are listed on the same warrants, why do you think they would treat him any different than his wife, who incidentally was treated quite well for a wanted fugitive? What's so "ludicrous" about expecting the same for him? What's so "fantastical" about recognizing precedence? In case you hadn't noticed there has been a general election in which the party favouring Thaksin easily won.That changes everything.Anyway no need for us to debate.Just wait and see who is right. It's ok, I won't gloat about being right. But, maybe if you asked nicely, John K could help you improve your 0 and 2 record. Gosh I haven't had an excited response from you since I mentioned the words "work permit".If you think staying at the Peninsula Hotel and being able to move around at will is "detention", I'm sure there are many who would volunteer for this status.Incidentally whether I'm right or wrong, I was just reflecting with some pleasure that the arrival of Thaksin had prompted no gloating on the forum.Then I saw your post and was reminded that the mean spirited and obsessive are always with us. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thaigene2 Posted February 28, 2008 Share Posted February 28, 2008 (edited) I think I've posted this before so sorry - but hey....if you don't think the 'end game' has already been worked out and agreed upon then you understand Thailand less than me (and no I'm not an expert or old asia hand). But undersdtand this -- there are NO GOOD OR BAD GUYS. EVERYBODY is a bad guy. THE MAIN QUESTION: Why didn't the coup-masters IMMEDIATELY freeze Thaksin's bank accounts and those of his families and cronies? Even if that wouldn;t be enough to close the door entirely? Why did it take them WEEKS to do that? Isn't that the FIRST THING YOU WOULD DO? Think about it..why not? Then think about who might gain - including the guys who were the white nights in uniform? I mean he bought a football team didn't he? Ever wonder who the other shareholders might be? Ever wonder who might be benefiting from a rising baht? Think about it a little - and suspend your disbelief. Remember it's ALWAYS about money and influence - always. Edited February 28, 2008 by thaigene2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sriracha john Posted February 28, 2008 Share Posted February 28, 2008 In keeping with the thread title, I'm presuming he can be arrested upon arrival in Chiang Mai just as easily as he would be in Bangkok.*N/A as the "Thaksin supporters" that reported this were wrong.* I would further presume that he would be necessarily transported quickly, under custody, to Bangkok in order to face the courts there for his outstanding arrest warrants, the same as Potjaman was, as I wouldn't think this legal processing could occur in Chiang Mai. *Check. Omitting the N/A Chiang Mai portion, he was brought first to the Supreme Court then DSI where the proceedings occurred.* I would lastly presume that he would be prohibited from traveling outside of Thailand, after his bail is processed in the Bangkok courts, which is the same bail condition that was issued to Potjaman. *Check. Same travel restrictions imposed on him.* These are all theoretical options I suppose but fall into the category of wish fulfilment.The reality is that a deal is being thrashed out now and , if successful, bail will be arranged in advance and/or the charges will be dropped or frozen.The quid pro quo will be something like a pledge from Thaksin not to seek elected office for a specified time.Pure conjecture on my part but of one thing I'm certain, the ludicrous fantasies about Thaksin's arrest and detention ain't going to materialise.In short there will be a short term compromise while the Prem and Thaksin networks limber up for the final battle. Amazing how all the applicable "ludicrous fantasies" came true. Not wish fulfillment at all, but rather simply those options listed were based on factual and historical precedence with his wife having already tested the waters. As they are listed on the same warrants, why do you think they would treat him any different than his wife, who incidentally was treated quite well for a wanted fugitive? What's so "ludicrous" about expecting the same for him? What's so "fantastical" about recognizing precedence? In case you hadn't noticed there has been a general election in which the party favouring Thaksin easily won.That changes everything.Anyway no need for us to debate.Just wait and see who is right. It's ok, I won't gloat about being right. But, maybe if you asked nicely, John K could help you improve your 0 and 2 record. Gosh I haven't had an excited response from you since I mentioned the words "work permit".If you think staying at the Peninsula Hotel and being able to move around at will is "detention", I'm sure there are many who would volunteer for this status.Incidentally whether I'm right or wrong, I was just reflecting with some pleasure that the arrival of Thaksin had prompted no gloating on the forum.Then I saw your post and was reminded that the mean spirited and obsessive are always with us. I have no idea what a work permit has to do with me. I never presumed nor expected detention beyond his making bail; again, the same as Pojaman. Have you PM'd John K on how to improve your prediction skills yet? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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