Thaksin Should Have His Diplomatic Passport Back

[Heng]

You'll find that the angriest folks here are likely the folks who have to not only wait in line at the airport on arrival, but once a year or more at Suan Phlu (or whatever immigration station) to buy a $60 purple ink stamp. Purple? Yep, sour grapes.

[A_Traveller]

^ Oh come on what have the poor little greys done to deserve that.

Regards

Reaped illegally, billions of Baht belonging to Thai people.

Nepotism to the extreme, using his cronies and mates for high paying positions of power.

You are obviously a Thaksin disciple........possibly a crony.

Hm.. glad to see the sense of humour bypass operation was a success. To assist and clarify, the caret ^ shows the post is responding to the post above, and the last line suggest sending Thaksin to a planet. Now ufologists claim that the craft are piloted by small creatures, oft referred to as 'Greys'. I was merely sanding up for the xeno-rights of said creatures.

Regards

PS Sorry for late edit but my connexion is 'interesting' today. Thanks to SJ for the support, I'll don it on appropriate occasions.

PPS Zpeter the last is also a joke, just in case you needed further confirmation. Now back to our scheduled programming

Edited February 10, 2008 by A_Traveller

[Tony Clifton]

You'll find that the angriest folks here are likely the folks who have to not only wait in line at the airport on arrival, but once a year or more at Suan Phlu (or whatever immigration station) to buy a $60 purple ink stamp. Purple? Yep, sour grapes.

Hang on to that dual citizenship.

[Heng]

[marshbags]

The Nation Mon, February 11, 2008 : Last updated 0:12 hours

REGIONAL PERSPECTIVE

Thaksin does not deserve a red passport

Foreign Minister Noppadon Pattama must have been out of his mind when commenting on Thaksin Shinawatra's right to get a diplomatic passport. Published on February 11, 2008

The former prime minister's red (diplomatic) passport was revoked following the putsch against him in September 2006. The Foreign Ministry took almost five months to act. At first, the ministry was reluctant to do so until public pressure came to bear following several high-profile visits Thaksin made to various Asian countries in an attempt to undermine the coup-installed government of General Surayud Chulanont. The passport was finally withdrawn in February last year.

Obviously, Noppadon is playing the role of "Srithanonchai", a well-known character with a forked tongue in a Thai legend. The new foreign minister said that everyone must be treated equally according to the rule of law and that "all former prime ministers must be treated the same under the regulations". This statement was correct but it was only a half-truth. Noppadon did not say that his boss was indicted in the Ratchada land scandal along with his wife last year. With an arrest warrant out in his name, he is not a bona-fide ex-official qualified to hold the red passport.

According to the Foreign Ministry's regulations on the issuance of passports in 2005, there are 14 groups of people who can obtain diplomatic passports. The first four categories are strictly related to the Royal Family and the Privy Council. The next four categories deal with senior judges from the Supreme Court, the Administrative Court and the Constitution Court, as well as presidents of the Senate and the House of Representatives. The remaining six groups include former prime ministers and Cabinet ministers, military top brass, Foreign Ministry officials serving overseas and their spouses. The last group comprises those actively engaged in promoting Thailand - sports celebrities, for example. The diplomatic passport is valid for a period of five years.

Following the controversy over the status of Thaksin's travelling documents last year, the Foreign Ministry came up with a new draft of regulations on passport issuance for 2008, tightening up the rules for the issuance and use of red passports. For instance, under these new amendments, only former foreign ministers would qualify for this diplomatic privilege, rather than every former member of Cabinet as has been the case. The 14 existing groups remain the same, but diplomatic passports given to celebrities will be issued on a one-time basis and be valid for only one year. Noppadon has yet to vet the new draft regulations.

It was interesting to hear Noppadon say out loud that Thaksin is innocent until proven guilty. It is a familiar statement that lawyers everywhere love to cite. In Thaksin's case, the judicial process continues. If he returns before May, as Noppadon said he might, he would not be able to leave the country until his court cases are cleared.

It is an open secret that Thaksin was fuming when he was treated as an ordinary person and made to queue up with everyone else at the Thai Embassy's consulate office last May while applying for a new passport. He lost his passport along with luggage in a hamburger joint in Moscow. As far as Thaksin is concerned, his top priority is to get back at those who were involved in revoking his passport and causing him to lose face. Indeed, to the former prime minister, the resumption of his privileges under a new red passport would vindicate him and his family. But, for the ministry, it would be an unprecedented move with far-reaching repercussions.

Next week, the Samak government will announce its economic, political and social policies in Parliament. The draft portions of its foreign-policy initiatives are a rehash of those under the two previous Thaksin governments. They seek to zero in on broadening Thailand's profile in Asean and areas beyond, including East Asia and South Asia. They do not deal with other important regions or the Asian Cooperation Dialogue.

Under the new foreign policy, both the Foreign Ministry and Commerce Ministry will cooperate and expand their efforts to research and identify new markets for Thai exports in a systematic way. This could lead to a future merger of the two ministries. The country's priority is to rehabilitate the sagging economy and increase confidence in trade and investment. The government also pledges to adhere to the international human-rights instruments signed by Thailand. It will protect the interest of Thai labourers and overseas Thais.

Under Samak's leadership, Thailand's relations with neighbouring countries will follow a similar pattern of diplomatic and economic engagement as was practised by Thaksin from 2001 to 2006. However, for the first time, Thai foreign policy does mention the desire to serve as a facilitator in coordinating policy for peace-building and maintaining peace, as well as ending regional conflicts. Specifically, this policy initiative will impact on the country's relations with Burma.

It remains to be seen how Noppadon, who has a penchant to act on Thaksin's behalf, will reconcile his own agenda with the national interest. He has constantly confided to close aides and friends that serving Thaksin is his ultimate objective in life. If this trend continues, it is only a matter of time before the entire direction of foreign policy is driven by Thaksin in exile. That would be the opposite of what Noppadon pledged to do when he said he would promote Thailand's image and boost the confidence of investors.

Kavi Chongkittavorn

The Nation

To reitterate the headline " THAKSIN DOES NOT DESERVE A RED PASSPORT "

That,s a fact.

marshbags

Edited February 11, 2008 by marshbags

[Meerkat]

To reitterate the headline " THAKSIN DOES NOT DESERVE A RED PASSPORT "

That,s a fact.

marshbags

Well hang on a tick. The article states that the original 14 groups of people who are allowed to carry a DP remain the same, one of those groups being former PMs. Is there a rider to the law stating that someone who is otherwise eligible to hold a DP, but who is subject to an arrest warrant, is not allowed to hold one? If such a rider exists then he shouldn't have one; if not then he should. Seems fairly black and white to me.

The only "unprecedented move with far-reaching repercussions" that the article writer speaks about was the unprecedented move of taking his passport away in the first place.

Gotta love that bit about "It was interesting to hear Noppadon say out loud that Thaksin is innocent until proven guilty. It is a familiar statement that lawyers everywhere love to cite." Well of course it's a familiar statement lawyers love to cite; it's the entire underpinning of the rule of law! Ironically of course, it was also cited as one of the reasons for the coup in the first place, what with the extra-judicial killings in the "drugs war". Daft comments like that only serve to weaken the rest of the editorial.

[sriracha john]

Jakrapob says Thaksin issue overplayed

Prime Minister’s Office Minister Jakrapob Penkair:

"Anything about Mr Thaksin is likely to raise public attention and awareness right now. A case in point is the issue about claims that he will get back his diplomatic passport, revoked after he was ousted in a military coup in 2006. I urge everyone to calm down. Mr Thaksin’s imminent return seems to be causing great distress for those concerned that he will get even with those who played a role in his ouster. Some of them are plain paranoid. I’d like these people to regard him as another Thai citizen. Everything we do is under the public microscope, so there is very little chance that the new government will come up with biased policies. Everything is done for the benefit of the people."

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=125854

[Plus]

Thaksin is a fugitive from the court of law, if apprehended he'll have his passport taken away for good, though it depends on the discretion of the court, the precedent was set - his wife can't leave the country anymore.

[Ricardo]

Jakrapob says Thaksin issue overplayed

Prime Minister’s Office Minister Jakrapob Penkair:

I’d like these people to regard him as another Thai citizen.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=125854

In that case, he will be happy to have the same passport, as every other Thai citizen, right ?

Alternatively why not solve it another way, give every Thai citizen a diplomatic passport , everybody thus gains face and avoids the queues at foreign airports !

[soundman]

Thaksin is a fugitive from the court of law, if apprehended he'll have his passport taken away for good, though it depends on the discretion of the court, the precedent was set - his wife can't leave the country anymore.

The court revoked / confiscated her passport?

[sriracha john]

Thaksin is a fugitive from the court of law, if apprehended he'll have his passport taken away for good, though it depends on the discretion of the court, the precedent was set - his wife can't leave the country anymore.

The court revoked / confiscated her passport?

yes... story starts here:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?s=...t&p=1748536

Thai ex-PM Thaksin's wife freed on bail after brief court hearing

BANGKOK - The wife of Thailand's ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra was released on bail Tuesday, after she returned to the kingdom to defend corruption charges against her, the Supreme Court said in a statement.

Pojaman Shinawatra was released on bail of five million baht (US$149,000), and ordered not to leave the country without the court's permission, said the statement issued after a hearing that lasted less than an hour.

The court also set January 23 as the opening date for her trial on charges of using her husband's political influence to buy prime Bangkok real estate from a government agency at one-third its estimated value.

- AFP

[A_Traveller]

Suspect the answer to Soundman's question is, in fact, no, but only that she should apply for permission from the court before undertaking foreign travel. Given the situation, and the likely overall game plan, then she'll be staying here for a while anyway, but if she required 'medical attention' etc., I'd not be surprised if the court allowed her to travel.

Regards

/edit typo//

Edited February 11, 2008 by A_Traveller

[soundman]

^^ - thanx guys...

If that is the case, what are the chances that Mr. T. will have to surrender his passport or apply to the court to get permission to leave the country, if he ever comes back to face the music?

I could see this as a potential sticking point in any negotiation to get him back into the country.

[sriracha john]

Foreign Affairs Ministry may return red passport to Thaksin

The Foreign Affairs Minister, Noppadon Pattama, is likely to return the diplomatic passport to former prime minister, Thaksin Shinnawatra because he believes the ousted premier deserves to hold it again. The minister claims that Thaksin's power was unfairly withdrawn during the coup led by the Council for National Security (CNS).

Noppadon says the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' decision to take away Thaksin's diplomatic passport did not comply with the regulations. He also views that Thailand has regained democracy, and the Foreign Affairs Ministry may wish to run its procedures in accordance with the law again.

Noppadon has vowed to give the officials under the Foreign Affairs Ministry a free hand in considering whether Thaksin should have his diplomatic passport returned or not. He further suggests that the ministry should also give fair treatment to the deposed Prime Minister as he is a Thai citizen.

- ThaiNews

[Tony Clifton]

Up until today, still the one and only reason why Noppadol was nominated as Foreign Minister.

Server the Little Emperor in exile first, country and citizens second.

[chownah]

Noppadon says the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' decision to take away Thaksin's diplomatic passport did not comply with the regulations. He also views that Thailand has regained democracy, and the Foreign Affairs Ministry may wish to run its procedures in accordance with the law again.

I'm glad to see him making statements that he intends to get the Foreign Affairs Ministry to run procedures in accordane with the law. I know that his statement only mentions the possibility of a wish to run it thusly but I'll accept it as a rhetorical artifact which in fact is saying that operating in accordance with the law is what he intends to do.

Chownah

[brahmburgers]

Why does he need the diplomatic passport

Exactly!!!.....he doesn't need it. He has a passport which gets him anywhere he wants to go....this entire thread is about a non-issue. But don't let that stop the heated discussion.....if you are here arguing about this then you won't be getting into trouble trying to deal with real issues.

Chownah

it's not a non-issue because if he's given back a dipl passport he doesn't deserve, then it's the beginning of giving back all sorts of privaleges to Thaksin and his family that he doesn't deserve. Thaksin, through his extreme selfishness and greed has harmed Thailand. If the Samak administration gets to unravel all the legal work to set things right - then, among other things, it sets an example for all Thais (especially youngsters) that crime does indeed pay - big time!

It shows the youth of Thailand that corruption is ok will reinforce that the most important thing for a Thai is to amass wealth by whatever means possible.

Thaksin is a fugitive from the court of law, if apprehended he'll have his passport taken away for good, though it depends on the discretion of the court, the precedent was set - his wife can't leave the country anymore.

Samak's people will do all they can to unravel and dilute the legal problems that the Shinawatre's should face. My prediction: Thaksin will arrive at a military airport, probably in early summer 2008. He'll be arrested, but it will just be for show. Within a minute, he'll post bail (my guess, 1 baht) and everyone present will have a good belly laugh about it. Afterwards he'll be feted and feared like the conquering hero he isn't.

[Plus]

On his first day in office Noppadon brought along his friend, former singer Arisman, who was enthusiastically giving instructions to Foreign Ministry officials on how to conduct Noppadon's press conference. They were greatly relieved when Noppadon assured them Arisman was not there in any official position and FM officials won't have to take orders from a pop-singer in the future.

>>>

By early summer 2008 the current "peasant" government will lose all credibility, respect and ability to actually govern.

If not street protests, there will be general strikes if Thaksin tries to raise his head above what is allowed - come and deal with court cases.

Perhaps the courts will dissolve Chart Thai and Matchima for vote buying just to break the coalition and end this abomination of the government.

[Tony Clifton]

APRIL.

[sriracha john]

On his first day in office Noppadon brought along his friend, former singer Arisman, who was enthusiastically giving instructions to Foreign Ministry officials on how to conduct Noppadon's press conference. They were greatly relieved when Noppadon assured them Arisman was not there in any official position and FM officials won't have to take orders from a pop-singer in the future.

>>>

By early summer 2008 the current "peasant" government will lose all credibility, respect and ability to actually govern.

If not street protests, there will be general strikes if Thaksin tries to raise his head above what is allowed - come and deal with court cases.

Perhaps the courts will dissolve Chart Thai and Matchima for vote buying just to break the coalition and end this abomination of the government.

Looks like he will be "official"...

Arisman appointed as Foreign Minister's Advisor

Foreign Minister Noppadon Patama appointed three Advisors and a Secretary. He appointed Arisman Pongruangrong, Apichai Trangkhininart and Anthony Asoke Sharma as his Advisors and former TRT MP Sirumpha Lertnuwat as his Secretary.

- The Nation

Edited February 12, 2008 by sriracha john

[Tony Clifton]

Noppadon brought along his friend, former singer Arisman, who was enthusiastically giving instructions to Foreign Ministry officials on how to conduct Noppadon's press conference

Let me guess, he'll be in charge of the preparations for the Great Shameful Event when the Little Emperor in exile returns amongst tons of glitter and sparkles to try and outshine all those accusations against him.

Ooh the circus clowns and magicians have rolled into town!

[sriracha john]

well, they did it...

Thaksin gets his red passport back

The Foreign Ministry has reinstated the diplomatic passport of former PM Thaksin Shinawatra, a high-level source in the ministry said yesterday. The renewal of the red passport was made less than two weeks after Thaksin's fomer legal adviser and close aide Noppadon Pattama was appointed Foreign Minister. There has been speculation that the move was made to facilitate Thaksin's return to Thailand.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/23Feb2008_news05.php

[John K]

Great way to piss off a bunch of Thais.

[Heng]

As if there were ever any doubt.

People will be be so pissed that they'll complain about it for a whole 3 days if that.

[chownah]

As if there were ever any doubt.

People will be be so pissed that they'll complain about it for a whole 3 days if that.

Heng,

I think you underestimate the staying power of some complainers!!! Just the idea that this would happen has sustained those here on TV for over three weeks now!!! And maybe they are right...the color of the book that Toxin's porter shows to the immigration people might be...might be....well I can't really think of what importance this might have....but it MIGHT be important...I think.

Chownah

[sriracha john]

Thailand's ousted premier gets his 'red passport' back

Bangkok - Thailand's ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra has had his diplomatic passport returned just weeks after a new pro-Thaksin government came to power, the Bangkok Post newspaper reported Saturday.

The foreign ministry - which revoked Thaksin's "red passport" last year after the former premier was served an arrest warrant to persuade him to return from self-exile to face abuse-of-power charges at home - changed its mind about the propriety of the issue shortly after Noppadon Pattama, Thaksin's former lawyer, became Foreign Minister on February 7, the Bangkok Post reported, citing a senior source at the ministry.

Thaksin was toppled by a military coup on September 19, 2006, on charges of mass corruption, dividing the nation and undermining the country's democratic institutions and the monarchy.

The billionaire politician, who amassed his wealth off public concessions in Thailand's telecommunications sector, has lived in self-exile since the coup, but is expected to return shortly now that a newly elected government is in place.

Upon taking office, Thailand's new Foreign Minister Noppodon said his diplomatic priority was to issue a new red passport for his former boss.

Noppodon argued that Thaksin deserved equal treatment as other former premiers, all of whom have the right to diplomatic passports, even though none of them have been issued arrest warrants.

- DPA

[Heng]

As if there were ever any doubt.

People will be be so pissed that they'll complain about it for a whole 3 days if that.

Heng,

I think you underestimate the staying power of some complainers!!! Just the idea that this would happen has sustained those here on TV for over three weeks now!!! And maybe they are right...the color of the book that Toxin's porter shows to the immigration people might be...might be....well I can't really think of what importance this might have....but it MIGHT be important...I think.

Chownah

Of course, if we're talking about this board, I'm sure this could go on for years. I mean they've already whinged through the entire year that Thaksin wasn't even around.

[chownah]

Noppodon argued that Thaksin deserved equal treatment as other former premiers, all of whom have the right to diplomatic passports, even though none of them have been issued arrest warrants.

I am the kind of person who believes in equal treatment and next time I see Noppodon I'll put some pressure on him to issue arrest warrants to the other former premiers.........in the name of equal treatment.

Chownah

[Tony Clifton]

Two weeks in office and Noppadon served one man first instead of his country.

[sriracha john]

Thailand reinstates Thaksin's passport

BANGKOK -- Thailand has officially reinstated the diplomatic passport of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, a source has confirmed.

The high-level source said the former prime minister, whose diplomatic passport was revoked following a coup in 2006, was re-issued a diplomatic passport by the Thai Foreign Ministry, The Bangkok Post reported Saturday.

The diplomatic move comes nearly two weeks after Thaksin's former aide, Noppadon Pattama, was appointed foreign minister for Thailand.

Upon assuming his position at the Foreign Ministry, Noppadon said Thaksin was eligible for the same benefits and rights granted to all past prime ministers who were once issued special passports.

While the source said the reinstatement of Thaksin's diplomatic passport was a matter of equal treatment, the Post said it has been suggested it was special treatment meant to facilitate Thaksin's return to Thailand.

- United Press International

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

With the developing news that Thaksin is going to Beijing, this couldn't have occurred without the re-issuance of the diplomatic passport as China had cancelled his previous visa.

So there is a method to Noppadope's madness.