Uk Cancel Thaksin's Visa And Wife's

[sriracha john]

British envoy affirms UK impartiality in considering entry visas

BANGKOK, Nov 11 (TNA) - The United Kingdom considers granting entry visas based on impartiality and mutual respect for democracy, according to the British envoy.

Speaking after a meeting and discussion with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sompong Amornvivat for some 50 minutes, British Ambassador to Thailand Quinton Quayle said issues discussed included the talk between Thai and Cambodian foreign ministers on November 12 and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in the northern province of Chiang Mai next month.

He said that Sompong had enquired about the British government's decision to revoke visas for convicted former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

The British envoy said that Britain respected Thailand's democracy with impartiality throughout the political crisis.

Impartiality is applied in consideration of granting visas to all persons who wish to come and go from the UK, he said. Such persons will be treated strictly according to British law," he said.

"I have no right to express opinions over the entry in and departure from the UK of anyone," Mr. Quayle said.

Asked whether Thaksin would be able to seek a new visa for re-entering to the UK, Mr. Quayle declined to give his comment on the matter.

The British government over the weekend confirmed that it had revoked visas for the former Thai premier and his wife Pojaman to re-enter the UK where they had earlier lived in self-imposed exile.

[sriracha john]

Convicted criminal fugitive Thaksin prior to resigning as President of Thailand's Professional Golf Association.

[klikster]

Cancelling Thaksin's visa after conviction is the most natural decision, his status has clearly changed. I think not to cancel it would be against UK's rules and regulations.

So was his wife convicted as well? I thought only K. Taksin was. And their children's visas were not cancelled?

[Plus]

Wifey was convicted in a separate case, just a bit earlier.

I cringe when I hear "children's visas" - they are NOT children in any sense.

[Scott]

I believe he was convicted of 'abuse of power.' I don't know how that is different from corruption and maybe some legal-eagles can explain it--would be nice to know.

My understanding from what I read in the newspapers is that Thaksin never applied for asylum in Great Britain. I am reasonably sure he knew the consequences of leaving England and that he most likely would not be allowed to return. Had he filed for asylum, it would have been very, very difficult to leave England until his case is heard and that might take a long time. Had he sought asylum, he would be restricted in his travels--simply because if you say you need the protection of a foreign gov't, then why are you leaving. Also, gov'ts would just as soon have these people land on someone elses doorstep.

No doubt he doesn't exactly like having this splashed all over the news. The UK, for it's part, is well within it's right to not permit a convicted criminal into the country. I mean, Martha Stewart was denied a visa and she did her time! She is also hardly a threat to the UK in anyway. Thaksin, on the other hand, will cause problems for the UK and it's relations with Thailand regardless of which side they decide on.

[animatic]

Cancelling Thaksin's visa after conviction is the most natural decision, his status has clearly changed. I think not to cancel it would be against UK's rules and regulations.

So was his wife convicted as well? I thought only K. Taksin was. And their children's visas were not cancelled?

She was convicted in a different case,

to a LONGER sentence BEFORE he was.

They split the country AFTER her conviction, but before HIS.

The 'children' are as of the moment not convicted of anything beyond avoidance of taxes,

of which they paid fines and made restitution, I believe.

Their infractions were no doubt at mommy and daddy's behest.

I think more issues involving them are in the pipeline.

And we say 'Children' but these are university aged adults,

driving hyper expensive cars, and threatening dissenting people in clubs with

daddy's assumed power to 'make them disappear'. Chips of the old blockhead.

These are not nice kids in the sway of forces they can't comprehend.

Not some poor orphaned little destitute urchins, deprived of hearth and home

by cruel and heartless bureaucrats, or rapacious elites out to ruin a families livelihood.

They have more than enough personal fortunes to go through live making

lives miserable around them for some time to come.

If rumor be true sonny boy is stump stupid and mommy can't BUY him

a USA college degree. Even endowing a building won't work. Pleas leave now.

Persona Non Grata on Campus no less.

The daughters don't have as bad a rep as the son, but arrogance in large amounts.

Mommy taught them their position, as she saw it, all too well.

Too bad it WASN'T FEKIN' TRUE!

Edited November 11, 2008 by animatic

[hammered]

It does seem Thaksin has attained politcal hot potato status following the UKs decison. However, with a country like the Philippines now publically stating they dont want him does it signify governments are coming to the conclusion that he wont be making a return and they have nothing to lose by snubbing him? Whatever the legal niceties governments usually err massively on the side of caution over things that could possibly upset a potential leader of another country especially a close neighbour and a fellow member of an Asian trade block or two.

[ai kwaan]

'Thailand to push Thaksin extradition wherever he goes'

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Agence France-Presse | 11/11/2008 10:12 AM

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BANGKOK - Thai authorities vowed Monday to press for the extradition of Thaksin Shinawatra no matter where he lives, as the ousted prime minister searched for a refuge after Britain revoked his visa.

Thaksin, toppled in a military coup in September 2006, was last month sentenced in absentia to two years in jail by a Thai court for conflict of interest after helping his wife buy state-owned land when he was premier.

Local media reported that the multi-millionaire is in China, with some saying he is set to fly to the Philippines, which Thai Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat -- Thaksin's brother-in-law -- visited Monday.

"No matter China or the Philippines, we have an extradition treaty with both countries," Sirisak Tiypan, director general for international affairs of the Office of the Attorney General, told AFP.

Philippines President Gloria Arroyo's spokesman said Monday that Thaksin would be turned away if he applied for asylum, although the country said it had not received any request.

Sirisak said that even if Thaksin decides to live in a country with which Thailand has no extradition treaty, authorities could ask for him to be handed over on a reciprocal basis.

The Bahamas, Bermuda and several countries in Africa that are not believed to have extradition agreements with Thailand have reportedly offered to take in Thaksin and his wife, Pojaman.

Aides said however that Thaksin may head for the United Arab Emirates.

"If he can't go anywhere, he plans to stay long in Dubai," one Thaksin aide said on condition of anonymity.

Thaksin has spent most of his time since the 2006 coup in self-imposed exile in Britain, where he bought and subsequently sold Manchester City football club to a United Arab Emirates-based investment group.

He returned to Thailand in February this year, but swiftly fled again in August after his wife was sentenced to three years in jail for tax evasion.

Sirisak said Thaksin has until the end of next week to appeal against his conviction, but the ex-premier's legal advisor said he would not challenge the decision.

"We will not appeal," said the advisor, Wichit Plangsriskul.

"However we have not received any contact from Thaksin. It is possible that Thaksin and Pojaman will return to Thailand to fight the charges when the justice process is back to normal," Wichit said.

Britain has not commented directly on why it revoked the visas.

But the British ambassador to Thailand, Quinton Quayle, said in a statement Monday that the government in London was "supporting Thailand's democratic institutions, without taking sides."

Thailand has suffered months of unrest, with Thaksin's critics in protest group the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) occupying the grounds of the prime minister's offices since August.

They accuse the current government of running the country on his behalf.

Thaksin addressed his supporters in Thailand on November 1, denouncing his opponents in a telephone address to 90,000 loyal supporters packed into a Bangkok sports stadium.

The tycoon, who has a loyal support base among the kingdom's majority rural poor, plans another phone-in rally in Bangkok in late November, with the date yet to be confirmed, said Jatuporn Prompan, from a pro-Thaksin group.

"During the phone-in, he (Thaksin) will disclose the names of his political enemies," Jatuporn said.

Asked if he believed that the earlier telephone address caused Britain to cancel Thaksin's visa, he said: "A civilised society and model for democracy like Britain (is) not likely to use these reasons to revoke (his) visa."

as of 11/11/2008 5:03 PM

[klikster]

The 'children' are as of the moment not convicted of anything beyond avoidance of taxes,

of which they paid fines and made restitution, I believe.

Their infractions were no doubt at mommy and daddy's behest.

I think more issues involving them are in the pipeline.

And we say 'Children' but these are university aged adults,

driving hyper expensive cars, and threatening dissenting people in clubs with

daddy's assumed power to 'make them disappear'. Chips of the old blockhead.

These are not nice kids in the sway of forces they can't comprehend.

Not some poor orphaned little destitute urchins, deprived of hearth and home

by cruel and heartless bureaucrats, or rapacious elites out to ruin a families livelihood.

They have more than enough personal fortunes to go through live making

lives miserable around them for some time to come.

I guess you needed to get this off your chest? Glad to be of service.

Now if you would please wipe the flecks of foam from the corners of your mouth.

[animatic]

The 'children' are as of the moment not convicted of anything beyond avoidance of taxes,

of which they paid fines and made restitution, I believe.

Their infractions were no doubt at mommy and daddy's behest.

I think more issues involving them are in the pipeline.

And we say 'Children' but these are university aged adults,

driving hyper expensive cars, and threatening dissenting people in clubs with

daddy's assumed power to 'make them disappear'. Chips of the old blockhead.

These are not nice kids in the sway of forces they can't comprehend.

Not some poor orphaned little destitute urchins, deprived of hearth and home

by cruel and heartless bureaucrats, or rapacious elites out to ruin a families livelihood.

They have more than enough personal fortunes to go through live making

lives miserable around them for some time to come.

I guess you needed to get this off your chest? Glad to be of service.

Now if you would please wipe the flecks of foam from the corners of your mouth.

Heck, didn't even break a sweat or damage a cuticle.

[ratcatcher]

The 'children' are as of the moment not convicted of anything beyond avoidance of taxes,

of which they paid fines and made restitution, I believe.

Their infractions were no doubt at mommy and daddy's behest.

I think more issues involving them are in the pipeline.

And we say 'Children' but these are university aged adults,

driving hyper expensive cars, and threatening dissenting people in clubs with

daddy's assumed power to 'make them disappear'. Chips of the old blockhead.

These are not nice kids in the sway of forces they can't comprehend.

Not some poor orphaned little destitute urchins, deprived of hearth and home

by cruel and heartless bureaucrats, or rapacious elites out to ruin a families livelihood.

They have more than enough personal fortunes to go through live making

lives miserable around them for some time to come.

I guess you needed to get this off your chest? Glad to be of service.

Now if you would please wipe the flecks of foam from the corners of your mouth.

Does the truth bother you?

A dope-head son and two bimbo daughters. Soap opera material.

If they didn't have daddy's money they couldn't sell som tum.

[midas]

This might seem a stupid question that might have been asked somewhere else in this thread

but if they are so determined to bring him back, why don't they just cancel his passports ?

I still cant understand why he's still holding a diplomatic passport which should certainly be canceled

but what stops the authorities from simply withdrawing all his travel documents so then he would

be unable to travel and would have to be brought back ?

Edited November 11, 2008 by midas

[marshbags]

PM pours money into a Thaksin project

By The Nation

On Monday, Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat injected Bt6.5 billion into the communitybased SML (small, medium, large) project - one of ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra's populist policies that were hugely popular at the grassroots level.

Somchai, along with Deputy Prime Minister Dr Olarn Chaipravat launched the project at Lanna Technology University in Chiang Mai's Doi Saket district.

The PM said he was keeping this project alive because he believed it had proven useful as it fostered growth and development in rural areas.

"Every satang is used transparently with no politician benefiting personally from the project," he said.

LIKE <deleted> IT IS added by marshbags !!!!!!!!

He said the government would allocate more money to about 10,000 villages by the end of this year.

Commenting on the political crisis, Somchai insisted that it would not obstruct national development because people's well being remained the government's main priority.

After Somchai transferred the funds to the Government Savings Bank and the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives, 76 lamps were released into the sky to mark this goodwill gesture, which will benefit 27,699 villages and communities in all 76 provinces across the country.

UNQUOTE

Unbelievable, extraction of the urine at it,s most forceful

NFC

I posted this here rather than do a search for a more suitable thread, also this one is ongoing at the present time and this is just one small example of / as to why he is in this position of exile

marshbags

Ah yes. ELECTION COMING!!

Release the government portion of the Issan bribe money.

Betchya squat goes to the south now....

No it need not go in politicians pockets directly,

it goes in their control networks pockets,

so THEY can control the little people.

The Kamnan Benevolent Fund just sprang into use.

This of course WILL be directed to make best use of PPP districts players.

Knob heads one and all.

My thoughts entirely Animatic.

This is nothing more than a pay back facility for the Kamnan and their chosen few.

My Moo Ban is a typical example, only a pittance wil be passed on to those who really need it, apart from the pathetic 100 baht bribes for their continued electoral support, for which they are unbelievably grateful and show it with their endless ing.

They know not what they do, ( i,d like to think is applicable ) as in brainwashed, that is?????????

The OTOP is also another great source of funding for the chosen ones, while the actual makers of the products again get a pittance of what is a very good earner for the unethical and greedy PUYAI.

When you consider the price of some of the products and what the villagers get out of it, it beggars belief what is going on.

All Thaksins policies are tea money providers to reward his puppets and keep them sweet

They are not for the benefit of the poor he supposedly cares about and loves, and that,s for sure. LFHD.

Again this thread is about thaksins character and why he was refused the visa, which has now been indicated to be because of his criminality and corruption related land case for which he was sentenced to jail.

Apologies if it is considered Off Topic in relation to his visa cancellation and the many reasons why.

One of many has been mentioned, but it is all in the same same scenario and related IMHO

marshbags

Edited November 11, 2008 by marshbags

[h90]

This might seem a stupid question that might have been asked somewhere else in this thread

but if they are so determined to bring him back, why don't they just cancel his passports ?

I still cant understand why he's still holding a diplomatic passport which should certainly be canceled

but what stops the authorities from simply withdrawing all his travel documents so then he would

be unable to travel and would have to be brought back ?

what stops them??

That Somchai the PM is his brother in law and Thaksin controls the government. From time to time the Ministers must fly to London (or now to ?????) to get the orders what to do.

Thaksin is the owner of the PPP.

[sriracha john]

China confirms visit by former Thai PM Thaksin

BEIJING (AFP / 2 hours ago) — Beijing confirmed on Tuesday that ousted Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra had been in China recently as he seeks a new home following Britain's decision to revoke his visa.

"Thaksin was in China on vacation. I don't have any further information on that," foreign ministry spokesman Qin Gang told reporters when asked about reports Thaksin was in China.

Thaksin is now believed to be searching for asylum in another country to avoid facing justice back home. That search apparently brought him to Beijing. The state-run China Daily newspaper quoted Thaksin as saying in a Monday telephone interview that he was preparing to leave China. "I will keep travelling. I'm leaving Beijing at the moment," he said.

Thai authorities vowed this week to press for his extradition no matter where he ends up.

Thaksin's aides in Thailand told AFP he may head for the United Arab Emirates.

[Scott]

The UAE? I hope they don't start questioning him about the Tak Bai incident and his handling of the South. Oh, I guess he can change the subject to his war on drugs--that should make them happy.

[animatic]

This might seem a stupid question that might have been asked somewhere else in this thread

but if they are so determined to bring him back, why don't they just cancel his passports ?

I still cant understand why he's still holding a diplomatic passport which should certainly be canceled

but what stops the authorities from simply withdrawing all his travel documents so then he would

be unable to travel and would have to be brought back ?

Because the department with Diplomatic Passport cancellation

the foreign minister is under his brother in law Somcghai's direction.

They didn't dare offend him, so passed the hot potatoe back,

and it's presently in intentional bureaucratic limbo, as and excuse for inaction.

While chasing him is a department of the Attorney General's office,

and at least has a bit of shielding from political manipulation.

[animatic]

The UAE? I hope they don't start questioning him about the Tak Bai incident and his handling of the South. Oh, I guess he can change the subject to his war on drugs--that should make them happy.

How much money buys you the right to not care if you have allowed

nearly a hundred muslams to die under your watch in ONE DAY,

and done NOTHING to punish the perpatrators?

How much money will allow a muslim country to IGNORE that same day?

He better have SERIOUSLY GREAT SECURITY

LIVING IN THAT PART OF THE WORLD, WITH HIS RECORD...

[WilliamCave]

ASYLUM SETBACK

UK cancels visas of Thaksin, wife

The British Embassy has revoked entry visas of ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra and his wife Pojaman.

The cancellation, which was decided while the couple were outside England, has been notified to airlines yesterday.

The decision was made by the United Kingdom Border Agency, and the notification email was signed by Bangkok-based Immigration Liaison Manager Andy Gray.

The email read:

"Dear All,

The United Kingdom Border Agency has revoked the UK visas held by the following Thai nations:

Thaksin Shinawatra. Thai Passport Number D215863

Potjaman Shinawatra. Thai Passport Number D206635

The UK visas contained in the passports of the individuals listed above are no longer valid for travel.

Airlines are advised not to carry these passengers to the UK"

*** end *****

The embassy would not comment on the report. Contacted embassy officials said they "cannot comment on policy matters."

It was a big political blow for Thaksin, who was believed to be on his way from China to the Philippines yesterday. It was understood that the cancellation had to do with the recent court rulings that found Pojaman guilty of tax evasion and Thaksin guilty of breaking the conflict of interest law in the Ratchadapisek land purchase scandal.

Their children's British visas are still valid.

A senior People Power Party politician who has been in China this week answered The Nation's phone contact but replied to the inquiry about Thaksin's visa situation with only "I don't know. I don't know."

Thaksin has always described England as a "democratically mature" country as compared to Thailand. But he always denied having applied for asylum although he said England would be the country where he wanted to live in exile.

Last Saturday, in a controversial long-distance phone-in from Hong Kong, Thaksin accused his political opponents of breaking his family apart. In the same address, he also begged for royal pardon or a popular show of force to bring him back to Thailand.

"Nobody can bring me back to Thailand, except royal kindness of HM the King or the power of the people," Thaksin said. He also claimed that many countries have offered him "honorary citizenship", "which made me a bit sad because I could do many things for anybody else in the world, but nothing now for my country."

The statement triggered a major controversy in Thailand, with Thaksin being accused of trying to drag HM the King into politics. The UK visa move, however, gave Thaksin's statement a whole new perspective, making him sound more like someone desperate to find refuge rather than trying to provoke a political reaction.

It is not immediately known, however, whether Thaksin was aware of the impending visa cancellation before he left England the last time.

A source familiar with the UK legal and diplomatic thinking said the cancellation could have been based on "the different statuses" of Thaksin between the time he was issued the visa and now.

The Supreme Court only found Thaksin guilty in the Ratchadapisek land case late last month, weeks after he fled Thailand during the Beijing Olympics. He fled with his wife, who only days earlier had been found guilty of tax evasion.

England has been under the world community's watchful eyes when Thaksin is concerned. Diplomatic observers have said a decision whether or not to give Thaksin asylum would generate strong ramifications on England's relations with Thailand, as well as London's reputations when democracy, foreign relations and legal principles are concerned.

-- The Nation 2008-11-08

I thougt I seen on BBC that Thaksin was also not welcome in the Phillipones, Is this going to start to set a presdents with other countries not welcoming Thaksin, if it does hope China will follw suit and other countries...

[aries27]

Philippine officials say Thaksin did not ask for asylum.

FYI....In 1986, when Marcos was ousted, he fled to Hawai.. he died in exile, a sad and broken man. It was said he wished he stayed home and faced the music.

In 2001, Estrada was ousted. It was said that he was offered by the Arroyo government an exit to Australia. Estrada refused. He was detained at his own rest house for years until he was freed last year. Mistress visit was allowed, it was widely believed.

Edited November 11, 2008 by aries27

[Plus]

Chinese mentioned the word "vacation", they won't allow him anything more.

Two years ago they cancelled his long term visa when he tried to crank up his political activities from Beijing. Actually that's when he was forced to flee to the UK.

I hope I'm not wrong on this one.

[Kna]

Chile - No go

Serbia - No go

Mexico - No go

Canada - No go

Cameroon - No go

Togo - GO THAKKY GO.....

next stop, Dubai.....

[animatic]

I actually met that guy from the airport terminal once.

Friendly, but a triffle unkempt.

[Imkah]

Bode's well for The Kingdom. One down, - perhaps-, and a lot of Somchai's, Chalerm's, PAD's and other agendas to go...

An inherent corrupt society as the one we know in The Kingdom can not be solved by tearing the head, - or the feet of this system off. This is for now the system that makes the whole works tick, and should not be pulled down before an alternative is in place.

Probably and hopefully not the Western democratic model! which has failed even in the West and most probably will have no chance of survival here in the East. It will take time, patience, a lot more and the hope that the judicial system are able to stand fast.

Fasten your seat-bealts, we are in for a jumpy ride, but at the moment we are at least moving.

Only six weeks till X-mas.

[plachon]

This may be a bit off topic but concerns Thaksin.

I have often wondered why Thaksin,with all his billions, has never publicly made a major charitable donation to the very people who apparently love him.

Has he ever actually paid for construction of a school, hospital, housing for the poor etc out of his "own" money?

Has he ever done anything that would be considered something along the lines of what Bill Gates Foundation has done?

I have never read anything positive in the newspapers about Thaksin doing something charitable using his own funds.

All the praise he gets from some posters here and his die-hard fans is for schemes he initiated using government (tax-payer) funds. Not his own money

I would be interested to learn if the man has actually given one satang out of his own pocket that he didn't expect to get back sooner or later.

Had he done these things, rather than being a pariah, he would be regarded as something of a hero.

Yes, I know about the red-shirt rallies, but that's just mindless hero worship IMHO.

When Thaksin was at the helm, he actively distributed lots of money to tambons - each time was a great photo-op and the locals loved him for it. They still do. Once in awhile he would give a 1,000 baht bill to some little old lady dressed in rags, and make sure the cameras were rolling at that time.

What the rural poor still haven't figured out is, it wasn't Thaksin's personal money he was handing out (ok, maybe the 1,000 baht notes were), but it was government and/or lottery money*. Thaksin was such a big shot that he never cared to go through gov't channels to distribute money to projects, he'd much rather just take highly publicized trips (to regions which gave him the highest voting majorities) - and hand the money out like it was his own.

*There was a 3-man troika in charge of handling lottery proceeds, and (surprise!) Thaksin was at its helm. It's not stretch to perceive of him taking bucketloads of those proceeds and doing what the heck he wanted with it.

Exactly. There was a very large item on BBC World in the Asian segment today, reporting on Taksin's being denied entry to virtually every country there is, bit same same Gary Glitter . And there was Jonathan Head again (what is it with him?) reporting from Bangkok that Taksin is in effect, some Robin Hood figure, much loved by great swathes of the population, most notably the north and northeast (yes, well there are poor all over the country Jonathan, why don't they like him?). concluding with the remark that perhaps he could come back to Thailand in some other role, maybe as a fundraiser Mr Head's seriously suggesting he could become an NGO?!

His coverage of the Taksin saga is taking on Fox News proportions, no mention of the killings, shady land deals, the murderous proxy Samak, handpicked by Taksin, not to mention the bunch of thugs who make up the current 'Government', again handpicked by him.

I've written to the BBC twice (and was once contacted by them for my opinion just after his conviction), to ask for a bit more balance on this, but it seems, to no avail. So if any of you happen to be passing the FCC in Bangkok, please do pop in and have a word in his shell like.

PS: For those of you still under the impression that the PAD are a bunch of right wing fascists who, if they had their way, would ban all farang from Thailand, if you weren't here at the time, or your memory's failing you, Taksin whipped up more anti foreigner fervour in his first year in office (constant changing of visa rules, proposals to increase hugely visa fees, the implementation of the 90 day reporting, albeit it had been on the law books before, but never implemented until Taksin decreed it should be strictly adhered to), than any of the ballyhoo regards the Khmer temple. Many expats were leaving in Phuket and the local Thais were very concerned at the time that all their businesses, being hugely dependent on the foreign community here, would be badly effected. So if we're talking about xenophobia, better Mr Head's dream of Taksin's glorious return does not materialise.

Well said Jitagon. Jonathan Head is beginning to lose all credibility as a reporter of substance, as he sticks with his archaic view of an evil despot. I've noticed TV's own YH is a big fan of Head, often singing his praises, but always getting it wrong over judgment calls about "what happens next". The latest call over Toxin's visa revocation is the last in a long line of classics........seems like some people just refuse to learn that the tide is turning in Thailand, inch by inch, when an elected past-PM can be found guilty in a Thai court of corruption charges. At one time, never thought I'd live to see the day.

At least somebody's not trying to claim it was a "procedural error" on behalf of the British immigration authorities. Good on ya Millipede!

[sriracha john]

Thaksin may phone-in at next Truth Today

Government Spokesman and UDD leading member Nattawut Saikua said on Tuesday that he and Payom Kalayano, the abbot of Suan Kaew Temple, had discussed the preparation for holding a mobile "Truth Today" political talk show. Nattawut said the event is expected to be held on November 23 and the show would not be as animated as the one organised at Rajamangala National Stadium on November 1 because the temple is a holy place. Another UDD member and PPP MP Jatuporn Promphan, as one of the hosts of the Truth Today programme, said ousted PM Thaksin Shinawatra can make phone-in speeches to his supporters on every show. The pro-government group may organise mobile political talk shows at different provinces in the

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=131952

for some reason, some people think a Buddhist temple is an inappropriate and unsuitable location for a mass political rally... with speeches by convicted criminal fugitives...

Senior monks oppose temple hosting of political talk show

Senior monks are opposed to the planned staging of the controversial political talk show Kwam Jing Wan Nee (Truth Today) at Wat Suan Kaew in Nonthaburi. The show would feature a phone-in address by fugitive former PM Thaksin Shinawatra. Government Spokesman Natthawut Saikua, one of the co-hosts, said the temple abbot, Phra Phayom Galayano, had given permission for the talk show, which was planned for Nov 23. But a member of the Supreme Sangha Council, Phra Phrom Vajirayarn, disagreed with the temple being used for political purposes. He said if the monastic community leaned towards one side or the other, society would be thrown into turmoil. "Behind the Truth Today programme is the pursuit of power and interests tainted with political greed," he said. "The Truth Today programme should be kept away from temples and monks should realise what is considered appropriate limits." Phra Thep Visutthikavee, secretary to a monastic panel working on behalf of the Supreme Patriarch, was also concerned that a gathering at the temple would be seen as a political rally, similar to the gathering at Rajamangala stadium on Nov 1. This could lead to the foreign media thinking the monks were taking sides, he said. Co-host Jatuporn Promphan, a PPP MP, said the show's organisers would meet Phra Phayom today. Jatuporn confirmed that Thaksin would phone-in to every show. On Monday, Thaksin said he would continue to address his supporters by phone at future rallies and would make longer speeches and start naming his political enemies.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/121108_News/12Nov2008_news04.php

Edited November 12, 2008 by sriracha john

[sriracha john]

The Gen. Panlop as Deputy PM in charge of security is an interesting rumour and if true would maybe indicate another round of take the government over from within or body snatching. The PAD for UDD and assorted allies proposal is already out there. If there is any truth in the Panlop rumour it will be interesting to watch what his classmate Chamlong does. There have long been rumours of a Sondhi-Chamlong split, and the PAD without Chamlong would be a lot more exposed in terms of what could be done against it. Interesting times but it is all just guess work really.

Panlop's maneuvers mystify the political pundits

The decision by retired army general Panlop Pinmanee to meet with convicted former PM Thaksin in China and also to oppose the PAD's long-running protest raises questions about his political ambitions. Gen Panlop is a former Deputy Chief of the ISOC and was in Class 7 along with core PAD leader Chamlong at the army cadet school. He admitted on Monday he had traveled to China last week to play golf and meet Thaksin. He said his purpose was to question the fugitive politician about his loyalty to the monarchy and his involvement in the continuing political turmoil. Panlop told reporters Thaksin insisted he respected the monarchy and wanted all political factions, especially the PAD and the UDD, to calm down. Thaksin believed all political problems could be solved if the two camps put an end to their activities, he said. It was quite a turn around for Panlop, who once announced he would be among the next generation of PAD leaders in the fight against the government and Thaksin.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/121108_News/12Nov2008_news05.php

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mystifying indeed... Thaksin is playing golf with his alleged assassin???

Thaksin wants everyone else to desist stirring the pot... except him.

Edited November 12, 2008 by sriracha john

[Plus]

Apparently Thaksin convinced Panlop that he is not disloyal to the crown and that was enough for Panlop to call truce.

PAD and UDD don't have any profound ideological differences to argue about so in a way Thaksin is right - they can just stop and go home, no one would notice.

That leaves one little problem though - Thaskin himself. He is using UDD to fight his own battles, he's the star of their show. If anyone should stop first - it's him.

Panlop has lost interest in fighting Thaksin, and I guess so did many others. After the conviction and now visa refusal the battle and the war is over.

It's Thaskin's ball now - if he pushes with his "people power" to overthrow judiciary he'll get their attention again but for the moment they seem not to believe he would actually go that far.

Don't forget the meeting was before Thaksin's promise to name names.

[animatic]

The Gen. Panlop as Deputy PM in charge of security is an interesting rumour and if true would maybe indicate another round of take the government over from within or body snatching. The PAD for UDD and assorted allies proposal is already out there. If there is any truth in the Panlop rumour it will be interesting to watch what his classmate Chamlong does. There have long been rumours of a Sondhi-Chamlong split, and the PAD without Chamlong would be a lot more exposed in terms of what could be done against it. Interesting times but it is all just guess work really.

Panlop's maneuvers mystify the political pundits

The decision by retired army general Panlop Pinmanee to meet with convicted former PM Thaksin in China and also to oppose the PAD's long-running protest raises questions about his political ambitions. Gen Panlop is a former Deputy Chief of the ISOC and was in Class 7 along with core PAD leader Chamlong at the army cadet school. He admitted on Monday he had traveled to China last week to play golf and meet Thaksin. He said his purpose was to question the fugitive politician about his loyalty to the monarchy and his involvement in the continuing political turmoil. Panlop told reporters Thaksin insisted he respected the monarchy and wanted all political factions, especially the PAD and the UDD, to calm down. Thaksin believed all political problems could be solved if the two camps put an end to their activities, he said. It was quite a turn around for Panlop, who once announced he would be among the next generation of PAD leaders in the fight against the government and Thaksin.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/121108_News/12Nov2008_news05.php

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

mystifying indeed... Thaksin is playing golf with his alleged assassin???

Thaksin wants everyone else to desist stirring the pot... except him.

I think this was Panlop going to take Thaksin's temperature.

A mental health check and likely deliver a serious warning,

under cover of checking on loyalty to HRM.

I very much doubt Thaksin convinced Panlop of much loyalty wise.

I think this was Dr. T. being tested for paranoia ,

and given the word what would happen if he does A, B or C.

By someone who CAN and would reach out and touch somebody ANYWHERE...

The 'nice' little scenarios, in above posts, I don't buy for a minute.

The game is still afoot.

Edited November 12, 2008 by animatic

[Briggsy]

In defence of the BBC's Jonathan Head's reporting, I have to say that accusing him of being pro-Thaksin is very hard to justify. I regard his reporting as highly articulate and balanced in what is a very hard situation to report as so much goes on behind closed doors and local laws prevent one of the central issues being discussed or even mentioned locally.

On a different issue and back to topic, if Thaksin and Potjaman have had their visas rescinded for their conviction of a serious offence. Surely the same would apply to Potjaman's brother (adopted) and personal secretary as they were convicted of the same offence and they also fled to the UK. It appears this has not happened. Can anybody provide any information?