I Will Return To Post Of Prime Minister: Thaksin

[hammered]

Creeping totalitarianism was very evident in the last couple of years of Thaksin's term.

I think what keeps us all fascinated, and yapping about it, is that we subconsciously feel there is a chance he will be back at the helm,

If we sincerely felt otherwise, then we wouldn't even contemplate the subject anymore. Iraq got rid of its BigBoss once and for all by strangling him in a dungeon - Thailand doesn't treat its tyrants badly, and there always seems to be a pragmatism via which they can be rehabilitated.

In few countries would spending a cathartic spell as a Monk count for anything, yet in Thailand....

Put into the mix that there are only really two ways to return:

The traditional do a mea culpa and accept forgiveness possibly via s tint in the monkhood or something. That is over to Thaksin ans seemingly he doesnt want it.

The other way is thorugh some kind of revolution decimating those who oppose him. It also relies on nobody else coming to the forefront, such adivisive figure being appropriate to whoever led the revolution and of course it being a revolution with absolutley no politcal end. That puts him very much in the hands of others in a country which has no real revolutionary history but rather an evolutionary one.

There is no chance of his return without going to prison. None. He has been deemed a threat and anything he says going forward will not be believed. He has said too many things only to do the opposite soon after.

However, in time family members will not carry the same stigma and will have opportunities in politics etc. I would not be surprised in 10 years or so to see his son enter Thai politics.

ASTV and other gossip columnists of that time would have a field day. Oak has a history almost as interesting as Chalerm's sons when it comes to partying.

[hammered]

Apparently Kwanchai hasn't taken too well to the red shirts dissing him on stage on Saturday. He has removed their show from his station not to mention asked Mr. T to back him and his red shirts and not those of Jatuporn. It seems the huggy, smiley moment of Saturday unity is suddenly back into the harsh glare of division and disunity.

THAILAND: UDD conflict seems an unpatchable rift

Pro-Thaksin radio host stops relaying 'Truth Today' after the TV show's host criticized him at an anti-government rally

Famous radio host and leader of the Udon Thani-based pro-Thaksin group has stopped relaying the Truth Today political talk show on his radio program in a move seen as an unpatchable rift between the two conflicting groups of red-clad demonstrators.

Kwanchai Praipana, leader of the Khon Rak Udon Thani group, yesterday said he had instructed the controller of his FM 97.50MHz radio station in Udon Thani to stop transmitting the evening weekday program.

Truth Today, a program broadcast through the satellite-based DStation, is co-hosted by Jatuporn Promphan, leader of the pro-Thaksin United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD).

Kwanchai was reportedly upset with Jatuporn for criticising him while addressing his red-clad demonstrators in Sanam Luang on Saturday.

Kwanchai reportedly called on Thaksin to support his group instead of Jatuporn's camp.

Meanwhile, Jatuporn has responded by saying that the UDD could do without the participation of Kwanchai's group in its anti-government rallies in Bangkok.

Puea Thai MP for Udon Thani Wichien Khaokham said through the local FM 97.50MHz radio station last Friday that Thaksin had phoned Jatuporn and Kwanchai in an unsuccessful bid to patch up their rift.

The MP said the quarrel between the two was affecting the overall image of the reds.

Meanwhile, the three co-hosts of the Truth Today -- Jatuporn, Veera Musikhapong and Natthawut Saikua -- failed to show up at the station yesterday.

Thaksin's Jan 25 phone-in tape was re-run instead.

- Asia Media / 2009-02-03

Coming soon, the founding of the United Peoples Front for Thaksin, and the Peoples United Front for Thaksin, and the Thaksin United Peoples.... Since they don't have the PAD to attack any more they'll just start attacking themselves. The best solution would be to put Kwanchai in a room on his own. Sooner or later he'd beat himself up and then kill himself in retaliation.

Jatuporn disagreeing with Bangkokians in 2007.

76% disagree with UDD move: poll

More than 76% of people living in Bangkok questioned in a Bangkok University poll disagree with the red-shirt group's threat to prolong anti-government rally if the government fails to meet their demands. They said the demands of the United Front of Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) to the government -- to remove Foreign Minister Kasit Pirom, to reshuffle the Cabinet, and to speed up cases against People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) over airport closure -- could damage the country and prolong the national crisis. Only 23.7% agree with the demands, saying that they want clearer action on the government's stance on PAD, and because they do not like Prime Minister Abhisit and the Democrat Party.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breakingnews/13...h-udd-move-poll

That wasnt the little disagreement he had with the Ram students after they democratically voted not to support his little marches when Newin had set up the UDD for him was it? Wonder how he likes it that a swathe of all things red want him out? Maybe all things red shoudl have a democratic vote to see if they want Jatuporn. That would be interesting. It would also force dear leader off the fence to decide between the strategically challenged unpopular but docile (bark worse than bite) Jatuporn or the far from docile but effective and upper Isaan popular Khwanchai. I guess Mr. T is going to have to be careful in what he does and says if he has plans on coming back. Cant afford to take sides in the all things red split.

[Journalist]

There is no chance of his return without going to prison. None.

Yes, there is. He can be pardoned.

Its a big 'if', ....but if a bookmaker had odds of five to one against on him rising like a phoenix, i'd have a little dabble.

And whilst TV topics have mused on his impertinence on his asking for a pardon; whatever discussions, accommodations and deals that would be made are never going to be transparent or publicly disclosed.

Which is precisely why his very publicly disclosed and grossly inappropriate request will not be considered. That's not how it's done.

Rule books can be rewritten . (as can the Constitution) and exceptions made. There are not thousands of years of fixed protocol and precedents at stake that will be torn up if such a Pardon were granted.

Thais can be pragmatic.

That said, I also don't think he'll get one. Not now. Maybe in 5-10 years as events unfold.

(And as PM he presumably must have had access to national security and intelligence files. He must have stashed away info to use as future leverage)

Edited February 4, 2009 by Journalist

[misterman21]

I once said cynically of a politician, 'He'll doublecross that bridge when he comes to it.'

[hammered]

Interesting story from the Post with Chalerm having to explain about some confusion over whether Thaksin wanted to return as PM or Prez. Nice pic of Chalerm as always too. Apparently Chalerm seems to think statements by anyone apart from dear leader could lead to social division.

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breakingnews/13...-thaksin-return

Edited to add: Just noticed that Thaksin apparently is going to make us eof the Thai court system that he says is bias against him. Oh getting himself in a mess again. You cant have it both ways. Either you accept the courts or you dont, except possibly in the topsy turvy world of the Thaksinista hierarchy. At least we now know that PTP is only about defending and returning their master to a high position in the country. Oh what fun when a whole politcal party makes no pretence that it is only their to the bidding of one person. Mind you most knew that aeons ago......

Still looks like the fun times are back in terms of having a laugh commenting

Edited February 4, 2009 by hammered

[aeon]

hi everyone,

just one question, how is it possible that people steal some tshirt and get 15 months in jail, and people steal billions of baht and get 2 years sentence?

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Swedish-Coup...th-t235498.html

[animatic]

Creeping totalitarianism was very evident in the last couple of years of Thaksin's term.

I think what keeps us all fascinated, and yapping about it, is that we subconsciously feel there is a chance he will be back at the helm,

If we sincerely felt otherwise, then we wouldn't even contemplate the subject anymore. Iraq got rid of its BigBoss once and for all by strangling him in a dungeon - Thailand doesn't treat its tyrants badly, and there always seems to be a pragmatism via which they can be rehabilitated.

In few countries would spending a cathartic spell as a Monk count for anything, yet in Thailand....

Put into the mix that there are only really two ways to return:

The traditional do a mea culpa and accept forgiveness possibly via s tint in the monkhood or something. That is over to Thaksin ans seemingly he doesnt want it.

The other way is thorugh some kind of revolution decimating those who oppose him. It also relies on nobody else coming to the forefront, such adivisive figure being appropriate to whoever led the revolution and of course it being a revolution with absolutley no politcal end. That puts him very much in the hands of others in a country which has no real revolutionary history but rather an evolutionary one.

There is no chance of his return without going to prison. None. He has been deemed a threat and anything he says going forward will not be believed. He has said too many things only to do the opposite soon after.

However, in time family members will not carry the same stigma and will have opportunities in politics etc. I would not be surprised in 10 years or so to see his son enter Thai politics.

He's got Minister of Culture written all over him...

Would that be co-chairman with Mr. Happy Toilet?

[baht&sold]

Interesting story from the Post with Chalerm having to explain about some confusion over whether Thaksin wanted to return as PM or Prez. Nice pic of Chalerm as always too. Apparently Chalerm seems to think statements by anyone apart from dear leader could lead to social division.

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breakingnews/13...-thaksin-return

Edited to add: Just noticed that Thaksin apparently is going to make us eof the Thai court system that he says is bias against him. Oh getting himself in a mess again. You cant have it both ways. Either you accept the courts or you dont, except possibly in the topsy turvy world of the Thaksinista hierarchy. At least we now know that PTP is only about defending and returning their master to a high position in the country. Oh what fun when a whole politcal party makes no pretence that it is only their to the bidding of one person. Mind you most knew that aeons ago......

Still looks like the fun times are back in terms of having a laugh commenting

Breakingnews

Chalerm defends Thaksin's return

BangkokPost.com 4/02/2009 at 03:56 PM

Puea Thai party MP Chalerm Yubamrung on Wednesday insisted former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra did not say he will return to Thailand to become a president, as accused by Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban.

According to Pol Capt Chalerm, Mr Thaksin was referring to former South Africa's president Nelson Mandela, who was imprisoned for many years before returning to politics again. The ex-premier made the reference during his phone-in at the Puea Thai meeting in Nakhon Ratchasima on Monday.

Pol Capt Chalerm said Mr Suthep's comments can cause social disunity.

On former social development and human security minister Witoon Nambutr's resignation over the rotten canned fish scandal, the opposition MP said it was not what he had in mind because he thought the entire cabinet would step down.

Meanwhile, former foreign minister and lawyer Noppadon Pattama said Mr Thaksin is preparing to file a libel suit against Mr Suthep.

Mr Thaksin's legal team is expected to take legal action within the next two days after gathering enough information and evidence, Mr Noppadon said.

Article continues here

[rixalex]

Mr Thaksin's legal team is expected to take legal action within the next two days after gathering enough information and evidence, Mr Noppadon said.

After what they have said about the courts???!!! How ridiculous can you get?!

[h90]

Interesting story from the Post with Chalerm having to explain about some confusion over whether Thaksin wanted to return as PM or Prez. Nice pic of Chalerm as always too. Apparently Chalerm seems to think statements by anyone apart from dear leader could lead to social division.

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breakingnews/13...-thaksin-return

Edited to add: Just noticed that Thaksin apparently is going to make us eof the Thai court system that he says is bias against him. Oh getting himself in a mess again. You cant have it both ways. Either you accept the courts or you dont, except possibly in the topsy turvy world of the Thaksinista hierarchy. At least we now know that PTP is only about defending and returning their master to a high position in the country. Oh what fun when a whole politcal party makes no pretence that it is only their to the bidding of one person. Mind you most knew that aeons ago......

Still looks like the fun times are back in terms of having a laugh commenting

Do you think Chalerm actually knows the difference between PM and President?

[ballpoint]

Mr Thaksin's legal team is expected to take legal action within the next two days after gathering enough information and evidence, Mr Noppadon said.

After what they have said about the courts???!!! How ridiculous can you get?!

You misquoted, he actually said "Mr Thaksin's legal team is expected to begin preparing a lunchbox for the judge within the next two days after gathering enough gold and cash".

[animatic]

Interesting story from the Post with Chalerm having to explain about some confusion over whether Thaksin wanted to return as PM or Prez. Nice pic of Chalerm as always too. Apparently Chalerm seems to think statements by anyone apart from dear leader could lead to social division.

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breakingnews/13...-thaksin-return

Edited to add: Just noticed that Thaksin apparently is going to make us eof the Thai court system that he says is bias against him. Oh getting himself in a mess again. You cant have it both ways. Either you accept the courts or you dont, except possibly in the topsy turvy world of the Thaksinista hierarchy. At least we now know that PTP is only about defending and returning their master to a high position in the country. Oh what fun when a whole politcal party makes no pretence that it is only their to the bidding of one person. Mind you most knew that aeons ago......

Still looks like the fun times are back in terms of having a laugh commenting

Do you think Chalerm actually knows the difference between PM and President?

Chalerm knows one position "BOSS",

being it,

or working for it

till he is it.

[Old Man River]

There is no chance of his return without going to prison. None.

Yes, there is. He can be pardoned.

You are smarter than this. Keep your money in your wallet.

[Plus]

Thaksin tried to talk to Prem last year, didn't get him anywhere.

The way he has behaved ever since pardon is not possible, he is not in the right frame of mind to even ask for it again. When he mentioned it once in a phone in it sounded more like a threat than a plea.

Never mind that - the sheer amount of charges against him make it consitutionally impossible to pardon, no matter under what edition.

If it was so easy to bend the rules he would have done it last year when his party controlled the legislature. Now that card is not even in the deck. They can possibly overturn his political ban as a part of overall amnesty but he's got jail conviction that disqualifies him forever, plus half a dozen of other cases.

Nope, discussing his return is a complete waste of time, won't happen anytime soon, forget about resuming political life and becoming the PM again.

[jumnien]

In Thailand, it is not legal for a farang, or for a Thai, to hire a row of 14 tanks and take over the government. It was done and no one was prosecuted. They just trashed the constitution and wrote their own assuring them immunity from their crimes. Thaksin can do the same. I know, it just doesn't seem likely or possible. It didn't seem possible a few years ago when Thailand was riding a wave that all would come crashing down and the military would be back in power. What seems not possible or likely is apt to happen...

[rixalex]

In Thailand, it is not legal for a farang, or for a Thai, to hire a row of 14 tanks and take over the government. It was done and no one was prosecuted.

Had the military brought down an honest government that hadn't been interfering with all the checks and balances that allow for true and fair democracy - and had the military snatched power to hold onto it for themselves - well then there would be much more support and protesting to prosecute those responsible.

As it is though, the military got rid of a government that was rotten to the core and that had, through underhand and illegal means, taken a complete strangle-hold on power that gave it and especially its leader, free-will to do exactly as it/he pleased.

Only those blind to those facts were against the coup.

Everyone else celebrated the intervention.

[baht&sold]

Pheu Thai MPs to meet Thaksin next few weeks

The Nation/breaking news Feb 4, 2009

A group of 30 Pheu Thai MPs from the Northeast Wednesday revealed their plan to meet ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra within the next few weeks tentatively to take place at Koh Kong, Cambodia.

"Thaksin's brother Payap is in charge of organising the meeting,", MP Sakda Kongphet said.

Sakda said his fellow lawmakers wanted to meet Thaksin in order to exchange views on the political situation. Thaksin will likely travel to one of the neighbouring countries like Cambodia or Laos, he added.

He said Thaksin's phone-in at the party seminar on Monday had been successful in rallying the MPs to support his political aspirations, including a planned comeback for the position of prime minister in two years.

(article link)

Edited February 4, 2009 by baht&sold

[animatic]

I once said cynically of a politician, 'He'll doublecross that bridge when he comes to it.'

Funniest and most accurate thing I have heard in years!

I can see Benjamin Disrali saying in back in the day too.

But for Tacky...

it fits like a custom kid skin glove.

[animatic]

In Thailand, it is not legal for a farang, or for a Thai, to hire a row of 14 tanks and take over the government. It was done and no one was prosecuted. They just trashed the constitution and wrote their own assuring them immunity from their crimes. Thaksin can do the same. I know, it just doesn't seem likely or possible. It didn't seem possible a few years ago when Thailand was riding a wave that all would come crashing down and the military would be back in power. What seems not possible or likely is apt to happen...

They took out Thaksin BEFORE he did THE SAME for himself.

All the signs were there that was his direction,

all the chess pieces moving in that direction,

and the unbridled megalomania to go with it.

The military was ALWAYS behind the scenes here. There is little real change.

But with reference to the inevitable dynastic future...

Thaksin was playing his cards to fast and too early,and too blatantly,

he over-reached and that was his OWN doing.

In any case Somchai and Samak never had the skills sets, or discipline

& independence to take action, to deal with the real world crisis coming

down the pike at full steam right at Thailand for 2009.

Be glad they are gone, because we REALLY would be in trouble;

not 'Screwing The Pooch, but would BE that anally defiled pooch... pretty darned fast,

judging by the utter ineptitude of the last 2 administrations.

Thaksin is not proving he is capable of controlling the state again, with these statements,

he is just repeating over and over, that he WANTS to control the state again.

[sriracha john]

Puea Thai Party pushes political amnesty

The Puea Thai Party on Wednesday continued with its push for an amnesty law to be passed for former party executives banned from politics, including convicted fugitive Thaksin Shinawatra. PTP list MP Nikhom Chaokitsopon said about 20 northern and northeastern MPs in his Party agreed that many banned executives were assets to the country who could build solidarity. At the same time, their connections with international businesses could enable them to rejuvenate the country's economy, said Nikhom. An amnesty law has already been drafted by PTP's legal team. Nikhom said his team would propose the draft law to the Party's meeting before submitting it to parliament. The draft law is intended to grant amnesty to former executives of dissolved political parties who were not involved in poll fraud, a charge which resulted in the dissolution of Thai Rak Thai, its reincarnation the People Power Party, and Chart Thai and Matchima Thipataya. The parties' executives were banned from politics for five years by the Constitution Court for complicity in the fraud. PTP was confident the draft law would ease political tensions in

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/local/1362...for-amnesty-law

[Koo82]

In this phone-in, Khun Thaksin said he will continue to fight. He said he stopped fighting previously, but they never stop biting him.

[h90]

In this phone-in, Khun Thaksin said he will continue to fight. He said he stopped fighting previously, but they never stop biting him.

Who did not stop biting him? The courts for his corruption.

Do you expect someone write in the constitution: "All the countries laws shall not be applied to Thaksin, his family, driver and home-maid"?

The courts just did what they should do, no signs of influence beside that Thaksins lawers got tried to bribe them.

[baht&sold]

In this phone-in, Khun Thaksin said he will continue to fight. He said he stopped fighting previously, but they never stop biting him.

More like 76 billion reasons to fight....

Yes, bring back Mr Thaksin, which apparently would bring back 70 to the pound, unblock 50,000 websites and all poor people are then magically freed, only then could Thailand re-progress... only, if Mr Thaksin (the victim) could return.... :D .... :D

[Maestro]

Nonsensical posts referring to a non-existing or fictitious person named Toxin and replies to them have been deleted.

--

Maestro

[brahmburgers]

for the benefit of newcomers to Thaivisa.com,...could someone pin the article by Thaksin where he says "I am a man of my word,I will not interfere with Thai politics again"

He's said that often during the past several years. The man is a chronic liar.

Thaksin should shut his big mouth and let Thailand heal itself. While he keeps making these nonsense calls, he is only making things worse. What a horribly selfish man.

....could not agree more.

horrible selfish greedy man...who exploits and cheats his people.

if only the red shirts could see they are just being used....

I agree also. Well said.

If you look at the man without his heavy hairball cloak of wealth (most of it ill-gotten), he's a childish, self-pitying, bleating complainer who continually blames others for his hardships. He's two-faced to the extreme, bleating about lack of justice (for himself) on the one hand - whereas during his reign as PM - he often trampled justice (for others) to further his insatiable lust for wealth and power.

[wolf5370]

What just a month ago everyone was going on about how it was looking up that British born Abhisit was to be PM. Now, everyone is slagging him off - is it soemthing to do with the fact that he doesn't like College girls earning extra income by selling their bodies on the internet?

I don't think we can expect him to be puking out new policies left, right and centre as Obama is, Obama has a h3ck of a lot more money behind him - another post here was stating that he was handed a reserve less than a month's worth of civil servant wages! Not a lot to build on. Thaksin made no end of promises, predictions and policy statements - mostly to fool the rural vote into thinking he was a savior that loved the struggling underclasses. Many promises and predictions turn out as hot air, and many of the policies he did put in '30 baht medical' etc sounded good, but never worked - many of the others helped him and his family and companies, but not many others - and certainly not the working classes and below.

I think we need to give him more time before we make a judgement and give him enough rope - this country really doesn't need more change that's for sure.

Hear Hear...well put, all the other comments are like small stones rattling around in an empty tin...

You refer to the working classes but then say Thailand doers not need any more change!

Strange metaphor and not apt. Can you explain its relevance.

What metaphor? While I did mention both the working classes and that Thailand doesn't need more change the references are in different clauses and obviously not in the same context. The change I'm referring to is political change with respect to another coup or sudden removal of a PM and replacement by someone else no one trusts or even another general election. What the country needs is some respite and to give a potentially good man a chance to prove his integrity (or indeed disprove it) - and to work on fixing the problems with the economy, southern troubles and the usual stuff that a government should be looking towards (including the working classes and under classes) - not deparately trying to hold a coalition government together filled with greedy and ambitious people within and without.

Lots of people saying that he is a puppet - he may have been placed there as such (or maybe not also), that doesn't mean he has to stay tethered - especially if he can get the people's attention and backing. As to not sacking PAD members, I don't really see the difference in Obama taking Clinton as his vice (ahem!) - especially after the campaign she fought against him. It makes sense to keep the enemy close and visible - it also helps to calm the protests (at least from the PAD supporters).

One step at a time.

Edited February 4, 2009 by wolf5370

[wolf5370]

Question: Just what would it take to allow Mr Thaksin to run again for high office? Supreame court (or whatever the Thai equivalent is)? Consitutional change? Royal pardon? Holy intervention?

Edit: Freudian slip - I said "Just what would it take to allow Mr Thaksin to ruin again for high office?"

Edited February 4, 2009 by wolf5370

[Koo82]

Chalerm Yubamrung on Wednesday insisted former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra did not say he will return to Thailand to become a president, as accused by Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban.

According to Pol Capt Chalerm, Mr Thaksin was referring to former South Africa's president Nelson Mandela, who was imprisoned for many years before returning to politics again. The ex-premier made the reference during his phone-in at the Puea Thai meeting in Nakhon Ratchasima on Monday.

Pol Capt Chalerm said Mr Suthep's comments can cause social disunity.

By: BangkokPost.com Published: 4/02/2009 at 03:56 PM

Edited February 5, 2009 by sbk
1st three sentences and a link for Bkk Post articles please--sbk

[sriracha john]

In this phone-in, Khun Thaksin said he will continue to fight. He said he stopped fighting previously, but they never stop biting him.

The problem for Thaksin is that as a fighter, he sucks.... he hits like a girl...

[UncleFrank]

I don't know if you noticed but things were better with Thaksin in charge.

Low unemployment, huge stock market gains.

The place was on fast track to becoming another Singapore.

The yellow team likes the way it is.

A privledged upper class and no respect for the majority.