Thaksin lands at Suvarnabhumi and taken to court

[Tony Clifton]

But I won't.

Let your imagination do the rest.

[sriracha john]

Thaksin to return to Bangkok tomorrow

Ousted PM Thaksin will return to Thailand from his business trip to London tomorrow, 11 days earlier than his original schedule, his spokesman Pongthep Thepkanchana said yesterday. He said Thaksin would be on a Thai Airways International flight arriving at Suvarnabhumi airport at 3.55pm tomorrow. Thaksin's previous schedule had him returning to Thailand on April 10. Pongthep said Thaksin would hold a press conference at the Thunder Dome.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.net/News/29Mar2008_news12.php

[sriracha john]

touching down in an hour and a half....

Thaksin to return Sunday afternoon

Thaksin Shinawatra is to arrive in Thailand from the United Kingdom on Sunday afternoon and has requested that security at Suvarnabhumi airport be limited so as not to waste manpower. According to his personal spokesman Ponthep Thepkanjana, Thaksin wanted to return to Thailand as a normal Thai citizen. He is expected to land at 3:55pm this afternoon via TG917 where he will head straight to Muang Thong Thani. Thaksin's earlier than expected return will give him more time to prepare to fight charges of corruption against him by the

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=126801

[sriracha john]

Spokesman: Thaksin returns to promote investment, not for defense in court

BANGKOK, MARCH 30 (TNA) – Ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra arrived back in Bangkok on Sunday, over a week earlier than scheduled, with the main objective of boosting Thailand’s investment and promoting his English football club, according to his spokesman.

“The former PM coming back earlier than scheduled was not involved with his defense in court to fight land deal charges,” said Thaksin’s spokesman Phongthep Thepkanchana.

Thaksin – who was overthrown in a September 2006 bloodless coup – is scheduled to appear at a court hearing on April 29.

The former prime minister became the first defendant in the malfeasance charge case focused on the Bangkok Ratchadaphisek land scandal in which his wife Pojaman, the second defendant, allegedly bought the property at a questionably low price of Bt772 million (US$26 million) from the Office of the Financial Rehabilitation Fund in 2003 while Thaksin was in office.

On the other hand, Phongthep added, Thaksin planned to attend the announcement ceremony of 15 young Thai footballers selected to join a training session with professional football players at his English Premier League club Manchester City.

Moreover, as the chairman of Thaicom Foundation , Thaksin is scheduled to welcome two world class investors to Thailand - one an expert in bio-diesel and the other a billionaire listed among the world’s top 10 richest persons. *I didn't think George Soros would be welcomed in Thailand* :D

“The two of them are interested in investing in Thailand after being persuaded by former PM Thaksin. Their visit will help boost the country’s investment,” said Phongthep. *particularly those with baht-dollar foreign exchange interests* :D

The spokesman added his client was scheduled to travel to Chiang Mai on April 11 and tentatively celebrate the Songkran festival (the traditional Thai New Year) in the northern province, his hometown and former political stronghold.

Phongthep said after visiting Chiang Mai, Thaksin planned to tour Asia to take care of his “businesses”.

[sriracha john]

Thaksin returns to Thailand ahead of court hearing on corrupt charges

BANGKOK, Thailand: Ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra returned Sunday to Thailand ahead of a crucial court hearing next month over two corruption-related cases lodged against him.

About 50 family members and friends greeted him as he arrived from London at the airport — a stark contrast to the thousands of supporters who noisily welcomed his return in February.

He went straight to a a news conference for the Thaicom foundation, which is sending 15 Thai football players to train at Thaksin's Manchester City football club in England.

At the conference, Thaksin said he would be in Thailand for two or three weeks *what an egotist... perhaps he should check first with the Supreme Court who has to approve of any travel outside the country for this guy that's out on bail* and planned to meet with "world class businessmen" who were coming to the country to consider investing in the biodiesel and iron industries.

"I invited them to invest here," said Thaksin, without elaborating on who they were or where they were from. *ahhhh... supremely grandiose, yet totally unspecified, promises... reminiscent of the days when he was PM*

The Supreme Court earlier this month set Thaksin's next hearing for April 29 and excused the former leader from having to appear in person at every hearing.

"When he is in the country, it makes it easier for me and my team," said Pichit Chuenban, Thaksin's lead defense attorney. "If there are some documents that he has to sign, we can do it right away. Or if there are some problems, we can consult and discuss with him directly."

Thaksin faces conflict of interest and malfeasance charges related to his wife's purchase of a piece of prime Bangkok real estate in 2003. She bought the land from a state agency despite an anti-corruption law barring politicians and their spouses from doing business with government agencies.

In another case, Thaksin is accused of concealing his ownership of shares in a company in violation of stock market regulations.

He returned to Thailand last month after a newly elected government led by his political allies in the People's Power Party was installed.

The People's Alliance for Democracy, the main group that organized the 2006 protests against him, has said it feared Thaksin was manipulating the new government from behind the scenes and may try to subvert the corruption cases against him. The alliance held a meeting of Thaksin opponents Friday.

"We believe that Thaksin has returned home earlier because he wants to set the order in the People's Power Party and other coalition parties," said Suriyasai Katasila, the spokesman for People Alliance for Democracy.

The party "is having a conflict over the issue of amending the constitution and it seem that this conflict will snowball," Suriyasai said.

Thaksin has insisted he has no interest in returning to politics and has said he plans to devote himself to charity work, sports and his family.

- Associated Press / March 30, 2008

[younghusband]

The Thaksinophobes are running out of material as witnessed by the very recent post which can do no more than highlight in red Thaksin's efforts to attract investment into Thailand and blather on about his travel plans.Still I'm not complaining especially after enjoying Plus's comment about the junta's constitution serving all the Thai people so well.Anything for light relief on what looksto be a scorching Bangkok Monday.

[sriracha john]

Anything specific about his plans to attract investment into Thailand other than refer to two unnamed persons?

[sriracha john]

Deposed Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra speaks after his return from England to Bangkok March 30, 2008.

REUTERS

A fitting caption to this rather bizarre gesturing might be....

[A_Traveller]

The unkindest cut of all....

Regards

[plachon]

Deposed Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra speaks after his return from England to Bangkok March 30, 2008.

REUTERS

A fitting caption to this rather bizarre gesturing might be....

"If that Mr Eriksson doesn't listen to my advice and start winning for me, then he's for the chop!"

[jasreeve17]

Deposed Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra speaks after his return from England to Bangkok March 30, 2008.

REUTERS

A fitting caption to this rather bizarre gesturing might be....

So Mrs T says if I don't lay off those Russian girls she'll...

[Ricardo]

Deposed Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra speaks after his return from England to Bangkok March 30, 2008.

REUTERS

Hands Up ... who wants to be the next PM ?

[sriracha john]

A fitting caption to this rather bizarre gesturing might be....

So Mrs T says if I don't lay off those Russian girls she'll...

not let me teach in Japan and make me give up my Japanese sugar...

[sriracha john]

Here's someone who has been quiet for months... with an interesting proposal....

Sanoh Thienthong

Pracharaj Party Leader Urges All Parties to Reconcile for Peace

The Pracharaj Party Leader urged all related sides to become harmonious and asked the public to forgive the deposed Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who has decided to leave politics.

Responding to the political conflict among Thai nationals right now, Pracharaj Party Leader Sanoh Thienthong said everyone should stop their disputes and cooperate instead, in order to fight the oil crisis that is hitting the country's economy at the moment.

He also talked about the return of the exiled premier Thaksin Shinawatra.

Sanoh said the public should forgive him, since Thaksin has affirmed that he will not engage in politics and has stated that he will devote himself to charity work.

Commenting on whether the return of the deposed Prime Minister will lead to trouble, the Pracharaj leader said that it would depend on Thaksin's actions.

- Thailand Outlook (today)

[sriracha john]

Seeking extra aid from heaven

Thaksin opts for spiritual help to keep him safe and maybe give him strength to face charges

Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra flew to Phayao province yesterday to get God on his side.

Thaksin and his son Panthongtae, along with the ex-PM's aides, flew to Chiang Rai yesterday morning, before heading for Wat Sri Komkam in neighbouring Phayao. The temple is famous among Buddhists for holding rites that allegedly rid people of bad luck and extend their lifespan.

Before boarding his flight at Don Mueang Airport, Thaksin told reporters that he would only be "making merit" and that he didn't want to talk about politics. However, he did add that he would be spending the weekend playing golf with Cambodian PM Hun Sen.

He also said that he was visiting the temple because he felt his life was in danger and needed some extra help to keep him safe.

Wallop Namwongprom, a member of the Chiang Mai Cultural Council, said Wat Sri Komkam was famous among Northerners like Thaksin. He added that that maybe the ex-PM needed some extra help in facing corruption charges.

After the ceremony in Phayao, Thaksin returned to Chiang Rai to join the birthday celebrations of Yongyuth Tiyapairat, who has been suspended from his job as House Speaker over election fraud.

Dee Chantakarak, a sub-district head in Chiang Mai's Muang district, said some 5,000 locals were waiting to welcome Thaksin when he returns to his hometown on April 11 or 12.

- DAILY XPRESS (today)

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

No confirmation yet on reports that when Thaksin tried to contact God, he got a busy signal...

Edited April 4, 2008 by sriracha john

[sriracha john]

Thaksin to return to Bangkok Friday morning

Ex-PM Thaksin was scheduled to leave a hotel in Chiang Rai on Friday morning to pay respect to Prathat Chomkitti before returning to Bangkok at 11am. On Thursday night, Thaksin went to celebrate birthday of House Speaker Yongyuth Tiyapairat on his 47th anniversary at his residence in Chiang Rai. Other people who were present included PM's Office Minister Jakrapob Penkair and [Justice Minister] Sompong Amornwiwat. Thaksin was scheduled to take a Thai Airways flight TG 1133 back to

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=126917

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

While he's back in town and before he goes jetting off to Cambodia to play a round of golf....

Thaksin to play golf with Cambodian PM Hun Sen

Pongthep Thepkanjana, the personal spokesman of deposed PM Thaksin, says Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen has invited Thaksin to play a round of golf in Cambodia on April 5th and 6th.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 02 April 2008

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?s=...t&p=1904726

that perhaps he might wedge in a few moments of his precious time in the interests of expedited justice... as well as honesty...

SC Asset Share Concealment Case Postponed

The Special Litigation Department has postponed its prosecution order in the alleged share concealment charge against deposed Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra after his lawyer submitted a statement claiming his client is still tied up with engagements in other provinces. The order is postponed to May 15th.

Ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra's lawyer, Kittiporn Adulrut, and Thaksin's younger sister, Yinglak Shinawatra as his bails-person, submitted a statement to the Director for the Special Litigation Department, Seksan Bangsombun, asking for the postponement of its prosecution order on the former premier, his wife Pojaman, and her sister-in-law Bussaba Damapong, the three prime suspects of the alleged false declaration in the share-holding structure of listed SC Assets Corporation.

The statement claims Thaksin is still tied up with engagements in other provinces and Bussaba is still abroad, so the two accused cannot be present to acknowledge the prosecution order.

- Thailand Outlook (today)

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?s=...t&p=1907242

Edited April 4, 2008 by sriracha john

[sriracha john]

He has court appearances delayed in order for him to attend this kind of <deleted>???

Disgraced Former House Speaker Yongyuth (left) parties it up with Disgraced Former Prime Minister Thaksin (right) and some unidentified yokel...

Former Premier & House Speaker Partying after Political Mishaps

While waiting for the progress in several graft cases against him, deposed Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has been partying with his fellow political friend, who has suffered a similar career mishap.

Former PM Thaksin Shinawatra was in northern Chiang Rai last night for the 47th birthday party of House Speaker Yongyuth Tiyapairat.

The crowd was full of familiar faces for Thaksin, ranging from Justice Minister Sompong Amornwiwat, former Interior Minister Sermsak Pongpanich, former Public Health Minister Anuthin Charnveerakul and several People Power Party MPs, as well as local officials and residents.

All in all, more than 2,000 people were seen attending the party at Yongyuth’s residence.

Thaksin told reporters that he visited Chiang Rai for merit-making purposes and for Yongyuth’s party.

He also called Yongyuth a hard-working individual who has been unfortunate to suffer a similar fate of exile after the military coup, before returning to politics only to fall prey in the political game that led him to have to suspend his role as House Speaker. *Yes, indeed, it is extremely "unfortunate" when criminals get caught commiting criminal acts and suffer the consequences*

Thaksin could only wish his fellow Thai RakThai friend more luck.

The former PM returns to Bangkok today, before traveling back to his hometown in Chiang Mai for the Songkran celebration.

Meanwhile, Yongyuth Tiyapairat continued to call himself the victim of a political ploy that accused him of electoral law violation. He denies all allegations and vows to fight to prove his innocence.

- Thailand Outlook (today)

[Ricardo]

Pracharaj Party Leader Urges All Parties to Reconcile for Peace

The Pracharaj Party Leader urged all related sides to become harmonious and asked the public to forgive the deposed Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who has decided to leave politics.

Responding to the political conflict among Thai nationals right now, Pracharaj Party Leader Sanoh Thienthong said everyone should stop their disputes and cooperate instead, in order to fight the oil crisis that is hitting the country's economy at the moment.

He also talked about the return of the exiled premier Thaksin Shinawatra.

Sanoh said the public should forgive him, since Thaksin has affirmed that he will not engage in politics and has stated that he will devote himself to charity work.

Commenting on whether the return of the deposed Prime Minister will lead to trouble, the Pracharaj leader said that it would depend on Thaksin's actions.

- Thailand Outlook (today)

For example, whether he now makes an offer to pay some back-taxes, to help the country, on the Shin Corp deal ?

[Tony Clifton]

[rixalex]

He also called Yongyuth a hard-working individual who has been unfortunate to suffer a similar fate of exile after the military coup, before returning to politics only to fall prey in the political game that led him to have to suspend his role as House Speaker. *Yes, indeed, it is extremely "unfortunate" when criminals get caught commiting criminal acts and suffer the consequences*

Suffer the consequences? I fear you speak too soon my friend. We'll have to wait and see how easy it is for him to wriggle out of all charges. All too easy methinks.

[Plus]

Not so easy, his only resort is to intimidate the witnesses and hope the court will accept their new testimony over their first, documented one.

Or look at it from this angle - if it was so easy, PPP wouldn't have moved to change the law against serious public opposition from all quarters.

[sriracha john]

So much for "quitting" politics....

Thaksin backs plans to change constitution

BANGKOK (AFP) — Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra on Saturday threw his support behind the government's plan to amend Thailand's constitution. The ruling People Power Party (PPP) and its five coalition partners are considering a series of changes to the constitution. The basic law was approved in a referendum last August.

Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej wants to remove a clause that allows the disbanding of political parties convicted of vote fraud, saying the provision undermines the government's stability.

Thaksin said the proposed amendments would make the constitution more democratic.

"Democracy is the best system, and the best thing to do is make (the constitution) more democratic," he told reporters before flying to Cambodia, where he was set to play golf with Prime Minister Hun Sen.

"Politicians absolutely must work for the public. They cannot work for their personal gain," he said. *"except me"*

Two of Samak's most important coalition partners face dissolution over vote fraud charges currently before the court. The PPP could also find itself threatened with a similar fate pending the outcome of a separate case against the Speaker of Parliament Yongyut Tiyapairat. Thaksin's own Thai Rak Thai party was dissolved last May by the Constitutional Tribunal.

The PPP's drive to amend the basic law has generated fierce debate, which has led to fears of a new coup against Thaksin's allies who now run the country. But Thaksin said he was optimistic the country would not suffer another putsch.

"Please don't even think about it. We would rather have everyone help brainstorm how to build our future and improve the lives of the next generation," he said when asked about the coup rumours.

- AFP (today)

[Tony Clifton]

Maybe it's time someone whispers in his ear again.

Edited April 6, 2008 by Tony Clifton

[sriracha john]

^ LOL @ pre-edited comments.

[Tony Clifton]

You mean sticking an ice pick up his ear?

[sriracha john]

Thaksin gives talk at Thaicom Foundation

Thaicom Foundation was crowded on Wednesday morning as people gathered to hear a special talk given by ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra. Important *That should read Self-important* figures include his younger sister Yingluck Shinawatra, and former executives of the disbanded Thai Rak Thai party Prommin Lertsuridej and Sermsak Pongpanich. Thaksin was scheduled to speak under the topic about improving the learning process of Thai kids. *which possibly includes how to cheat on university exams that he helped improved the learning process of his own son with* Meanwhile, his spokesperson Sansanee Nakpong said the event is not aimed at stealing media spotlight from PM Samak Sundaravej.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=127013

[sriracha john]

"You know Oak been a bad bad boy since he was this high"

Thaksin at his "Education of Delinquent Offspring" talk at the Thaicom Foundation detailed in the above post

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

and now...

Thaksin forgives his opponents and expects them to reciprocate

Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra on Thursday welcomed Songkran well-wishers at his Shinawatra Tower III office, government spokesman Wichianchot Sukchotrat said. * Beyond the absurdity of the words... WHY is a "government spokesman" making announcements for Mr. Out-of-Politics??? *

"Thaksin wishes everyone a Happy Thai New Year Holiday and pledges forgiveness as well as expects forgiveness in return," Wichianchot said. :D

- The Nation / 4-10-08

Edited April 10, 2008 by sriracha john

[Tony Clifton]

Forgiveness?

DENIED!

He's got some nerve talking about forgiveness. A supreme court judge got a rock to the head, a journalist from channel 11 has received threats like Somchai the lawyer with 5 men in a car bumping hers(Jatuporn is suspected of hiring the hitmen), Kharun attacks Somkiat in parliament, hired zombies threw rocks and bottles at people attending the PAD meeting at Thamassat, Serisiput the police chief was sacked along with a few others, the AEC is denied a budget and receiving threats, and on and on.

He's slowly creeping back in like a snake, giving lectures, interviews and talking out of his a ss again. He's now feeling the heat from the now untouchable independent bodies.

The usual coward in him is about to leave the country and never come back to face justice, he mentioned asking or political asylum for the first time ever this week but said he turned it down afterwards, I'm not so sure he did or that he won't try it again.

Edited April 10, 2008 by Tony Clifton

[sriracha john]

Thaksin to make merit at 99 temples

Tour needed 'as he has more bad karma than others'

Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra yesterday said he intended to make merit at 99 temples as he was happy making merit around the country.

The ex-premier, who was making merit in the North, said he would go to temples in the Central and Northeast regions next. He said he wanted to make merit at 99 temples, instead of the usual nine, because he has more bad karma than other people.

He said his face was evidence of his happiness as a result of his merit-making.

perhaps he means this recent photo:

Some people who previously attacked him have now turned to be good to him, he added.

Thaksin was speaking at a temple in Chiang Mai's San Kamphaeng district, where his supporters and close aides performed a bathing rite for him and his family.

He said yesterday was one of the happiest days of his life because he had been able to return to his birthplace and make merit.

He said throughout the almost two years he lived abroad, he felt concerned for Thai people because he had a bond with them and appreciated their support.

"I feel I have not paid back what I owe them. Though I am no longer a PM, I can work for the country. Now I do charity work,'' he said.

Citing astrology, the ex-PM said Rahu would move from Thailand and the dark cloud that covers the country would disappear. "I hope all good things will happen in our sacred country,'' he said.

He also asked his supporters and others to forgive each other.

"You can see my face is filled with merit because I forgive those who condemned me. I do not take revenge because everyone will have to pay back their karma,'' he said.

"Those who have duties should think hard and not interpret the law without considering the country."

- The Nation / 14-04-08

[sriracha john]

Thaksin to make merit at 99 temples

The ex-premier, who was making merit in the North, said he would go to temples in the Central and Northeast regions next. He said he wanted to make merit at 99 temples, instead of the usual nine, because he has more bad karma than other people.

He picked to give up on the idea...

Thaksin returned to BKK

The deposed prime minister and former leader of court-dissolved Thai Rak Thai Party, Thaksin Shinawatra, returned to Bangkok yesterday (April 13th), after making merit in the northern province of Chiang Mai on the occasion of the Thai New Year, or Songkran.

Upon arrival, Thaksin’s entourage included his younger sister, Yinglak Shinawatra, his son, Panthongtae Shinawatra, House Speaker Yongyuth Tiyapairat, and Thaksin’s personal spokeswoman [and former TRT party MP] Sansanee Nakpong. There were not many supporters waiting to greet Thaksin, but Transport Minister Santi Prompat was at the airport to welcome the ousted premier and entourage.

- ThaiNews (today)

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

guess he just suddenly decided his karma was just fine without all the extraneous travel...