I Will Return To Post Of Prime Minister: Thaksin

[sriracha john]

The previously posted article has been expanded...

Perhaps it's genetic, younger brother Payap Shinawatra swings a gong knocker like a girl, too

Pheu Thai Party MPs may meet Thaksin in Koh Kong

A group of 30 Pheu Thai Party MPs from the Northeast yesterday revealed plans to meet ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra in the coming weeks, possibly just across the border in Koh Kong, Cambodia.

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

Sakda said fellow lawmakers wanted to meet Thaksin to exchange views on the political situation, and that Thaksin was likely to travel to a neighbouring country such as Cambodia or Laos.

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

He said Pheu Thai Party was ready to help Thaksin grab power again.

From now on it was time for an all-out war, he said, voicing optimism of a political victory guided by Thaksin and his family members such as his siblings Yaowapa, Payap, Yaowaret, and Yingluck.

Opposition Chief Whip Withaya Buranasiri said Pheu Thai Party would launch 200 Party branches nationwide next Sunday.

Thaksin's legal counsel Noppadon Patama said the ex-premier would sue Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban for defamation for remarks that allegedly portrayed Thaksin as harbouring an ambition to be the country's first president. This was a smear to cast doubt on Thaksin's loyalty to the monarchy, he claimed.

- The Nation / 2009-02-05

[Plus]

These are the same clowns that wanted to dissolve Democrat party for hugging Newin. Shouldn't they at least try to follow standards they try to impose on others?

That PTP ship is sinking fast and they are getting really really desperate.

[UncleFrank]

These are the same clowns that wanted to dissolve Democrat party for hugging Newin. Shouldn't they at least try to follow standards they try to impose on others?

That PTP ship is sinking fast and they are getting really really desperate.

A majority of Thais will vote for PTP if allowed.

[Plus]

In 2007 elections only 36% voted for PPP, and in last by-elections, just a couple of weeks ago, PTP lost about half of the contested seats they held through 2008.

[animatic]

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.

Actually he just benifited from an economic upswing that caught the whole world.

it was ONLY lucky timing of his election, nothing AT ALL special that he did.

Another Singapore, not hardly.

Not even close on most counts.

Tha was only his dream.

[Koo82]

DStation is having a re-run of Khun Thaksin's phone-in now. He never says he wants to be President.

[TAWP]

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

When was that, on Wednesday between half past two and 2.30am?

[TAWP]

These are the same clowns that wanted to dissolve Democrat party for hugging Newin. Shouldn't they at least try to follow standards they try to impose on others?

That PTP ship is sinking fast and they are getting really really desperate.

A majority of Thais will vote for PTP if allowed.

Posting lies doesn't gain you anything.

[stumonster]

Sakda said fellow lawmakers wanted to meet Thaksin to exchange views on the political situation,

aka: they want to wai him a lot and ask for money.

[hammered]

The previously posted article has been expanded...

Perhaps it's genetic, younger brother Payap Shinawatra swings a gong knocker like a girl, too

Pheu Thai Party MPs may meet Thaksin in Koh Kong

A group of 30 Pheu Thai Party MPs from the Northeast yesterday revealed plans to meet ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra in the coming weeks, possibly just across the border in Koh Kong, Cambodia.

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

Sakda said fellow lawmakers wanted to meet Thaksin to exchange views on the political situation, and that Thaksin was likely to travel to a neighbouring country such as Cambodia or Laos.

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

He said Pheu Thai Party was ready to help Thaksin grab power again.

From now on it was time for an all-out war, he said, voicing optimism of a political victory guided by Thaksin and his family members such as his siblings Yaowapa, Payap, Yaowaret, and Yingluck.

Opposition Chief Whip Withaya Buranasiri said Pheu Thai Party would launch 200 Party branches nationwide next Sunday.

Thaksin's legal counsel Noppadon Patama said the ex-premier would sue Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban for defamation for remarks that allegedly portrayed Thaksin as harbouring an ambition to be the country's first president. This was a smear to cast doubt on Thaksin's loyalty to the monarchy, he claimed.

- The Nation / 2009-02-05

If he sues Suthep he better pray he wins and get the choco boxes ready. If he were to lose, well think what that would mean. And what he said is ambiguous.

All out war. Oh what fun. Anyway it is in the open. This is all about Thaksin. We can forget all those homilies about democracy from all things red now and concentrate on the reality.

[Sandstone Art]

These are the same clowns that wanted to dissolve Democrat party for hugging Newin. Shouldn't they at least try to follow standards they try to impose on others?

That PTP ship is sinking fast and they are getting really really desperate.

A majority of Thais will vote for PTP if allowed.

A even bigger majority of Thais will NOT VOTE PTP if the party did not hands out 'freebies'

[UncleFrank]

These are the same clowns that wanted to dissolve Democrat party for hugging Newin. Shouldn't they at least try to follow standards they try to impose on others?

That PTP ship is sinking fast and they are getting really really desperate.

A majority of Thais will vote for PTP if allowed.

A even bigger majority of Thais will NOT VOTE PTP if the party did not hands out 'freebies'

The old 'vote buying' argument.

Been reading the local press I see.

The Democrats will not be calling for an election since they always lose.

Thaksin is more popular than ever up country.

[hammered]

These are the same clowns that wanted to dissolve Democrat party for hugging Newin. Shouldn't they at least try to follow standards they try to impose on others?

That PTP ship is sinking fast and they are getting really really desperate.

A majority of Thais will vote for PTP if allowed.

A even bigger majority of Thais will NOT VOTE PTP if the party did not hands out 'freebies'

The old 'vote buying' argument.

Been reading the local press I see.

The Democrats will not be calling for an election since they always lose.

Thaksin is more popular than ever up country.

The recent by-elections would seem to suggest otherwise as would much anecdotal evidence

[sriracha john]

Three anti-coup activists charged with wire-tapping

Public prosecutors yesterday charged three anti-coup activists with conspiracy to wire-tap and illegally releasing the information gathered.

The three defendants are Jakrapob Penkair, Natthawut Saikua and Chatuporn Promphan of the Democratic Alliance Against Dictatorship. Chatuporn is also a People Power party-list member of Parliament.

The trial starts in the Criminal Court on March 10. The three were each released on 300,000 baht bail.

The charges stem from an anti-coup rally at Sanam Luang on June 22. The three circulated a recorded telephone conversation involving Government House official Preeraphan Prempooti and judges Wirat Chinwinijkul and Pairote Navanut.

It is alleged that they intended to besmirch the reputation of Privy Council President General Prem Tinsulanonda. A police report subsequently determined the information had been obtained by wire-tapping.

- The Nation

Jakrapob did enough giving head to the mighty one at the demos to be in line for a minor ministry position from what I hear. Cant see this going far to be honest especially when the PPP will be in power. It really is how they interfere with the court cases that will at least in the short term dictate the stability of the PPP government, and the chances of demos against them. I would think they'll pick off a few minor cases first and then see how far they can push it although another argument is that they will push right to the hilt to start with and create conflict before calling a snap election in which to grab a full majority. We will see.

UPDATE... now that all 3 are "in the government" let's play the delay game...

3 PTV Protest Leaders Seek Postponement of Court Cases

The three leaders of the PTV protest or the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship resort to their MP status to broker a postponement of the interrogation process in a wire-tapping case.

Three United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship leaders Jakrapob Penkair (PM's Office Minister), Jatuporn Prompan (PPP MP), and Natthawut Saikua (Deputy Government Spokesman) came to court to request a postponement of the interrogation process relating to a wire-tapping case.

The three claimed that as they are MPs and therefore need to attend the parliamentary meeting, they are asking for a rescheduling of interrogations accordingly.

The court postponed their interrogation to June 23rd at 1.30p.m. as the plaintiff did not object to the request of the defendants.

In this case, ten advocates, acting as plaintiffs, filed charges against the three for their role in disclosing conversation from phone taps.

The alleged wrongdoing happened at the UDD meeting on June 22nd, 2007 when the three aired a recorded telephone conversation between Government House adviser Peeraphan Premapooti, Wirat Chinwinitchakul and Pairoj Nawanut. The three were granted a 100,000 baht bail in the case.

- Thailand Outlook / 2008-03-10

UPDATE... meanwhile PTP MP Jatuporn et al want more and more delays. Funny how they insist that much more recent charges against PAD be processed immediately through the courts while at the same time seeking lengthy delays to their own already much older processing of criminal charges....

Jakrapob and Nattawut, but no Jatuporn...

Court Delays Witness Hearings in Phone-Tapping Case against Ex-Minister

The court has postponed the witness hearings in the case against a former PM’s Office Minister for phone-tapping. The telephone recording was made and later broadcast during one of the Democratic Alliance against Dictatorship protests in June, 2 years ago.

The criminal court has delayed the first hearing of the witnesses in the case that was filed against former PM’s Office Minister Jakrapob Penkair, and Democratic Alliance Against Dictatorship leader Jatuporn Prompan.

Both are accused of illegally tapping a telephone conversation between a former Supreme Court secretary and a judge as well a high ranking police officer, before broadcasting the recorded dialogue during the DAAD protest on June 22, 2007.

The court says that the hearing delay is approved by the Attorney-General, after Jatuporn failed to show up before the court as he was required to attend the current Parliamentary session.

Only Jakrapob and another DAAD leader, Nattawut Saikua along with Jatuporn’s lawyer were present before the judges this morning.

- TOC / 2009-02-05

Edited February 5, 2009 by sriracha john

[UncleFrank]

These are the same clowns that wanted to dissolve Democrat party for hugging Newin. Shouldn't they at least try to follow standards they try to impose on others?

That PTP ship is sinking fast and they are getting really really desperate.

A majority of Thais will vote for PTP if allowed.

A even bigger majority of Thais will NOT VOTE PTP if the party did not hands out 'freebies'

The old 'vote buying' argument.

Been reading the local press I see.

The Democrats will not be calling for an election since they always lose.

Thaksin is more popular than ever up country.

The recent by-elections would seem to suggest otherwise as would much anecdotal evidence

Thaksin would win (another) landslide if he was able to run.

The current Prime Minister even admitted this.

[Plus]

Since he is not able to run, and shouldn't be allowed to run, what's the point in discussing his popularity?

His sponsored party doesn't look like winning anything anytime soon, they had their chance in 2008 and they blew it, it was worse than after the coup, they just can't hold the country together, let alone govern.

[Journalist]

^Agreed: they are wasting their time trying to compete in the political arena. They will be cut off every time they try, so there's no point them trying to play that game anymore.

Their only recourse is to go outside the process and foment massive civil disobedience. Otherwise they may as well give up.

[Artisi]

Apparently Thaksin has been in Australia playing golf before heading of to Hong Kong to met with his buddies.

[hammered]

^Agreed: they are wasting their time trying to compete in the political arena. They will be cut off every time they try, so there's no point them trying to play that game anymore.

Their only recourse is to go outside the process and foment massive civil disobedience. Otherwise they may as well give up.

Their problem is that quite a number of the poltical elite class still in PTP have too much to lose by taking the external route and more to gain by reintegrating into politcal society. A move to extra-parliamentary action will see a leaner meaner PTP/red rump but one also starting with less support and right now an enviornment not at all condusive to instability. For the short term they have been completely outmanouvered. That could change in the longer term but it is dependent on how economic issues pan out. Now in people's minds economic issues are paramount and politicla issues take a quiet backburner. All things red still havent come to recognize this. When they do they will be better positioned, if they havent fallen apart by that time.

[Journalist]

^I agree that there are numerous MPs who might like to stay kosher with a view to splitting off and joiningthe coalition; but I was referring to the growing number of those that are now persona non grata in the legit political process. These disqualified and disenfranchised people have nothing to lose by becoming even more wayward.

[hammered]

^I agree that there are numerous MPs who might like to stay kosher with a view to splitting off and joiningthe coalition; but I was referring to the growing number of those that are now persona non grata in the legit political process. These disqualified and disenfranchised people have nothing to lose by becoming even more wayward.

I think that gets to my leaner and meaner PTP.

A fair number of the 111 arer not so Thaksin freindly these days. I would also guess that part of the coalition's political reform process will involve bringing back on board many of the 111. I do agree that those not brough tback home will likely go for more disruptive measures. I am not so sure how succesful they will be however. That likely depends on economy and who exactly is left on the outside. imho

[h90]

^Agreed: they are wasting their time trying to compete in the political arena. They will be cut off every time they try, so there's no point them trying to play that game anymore.

Their only recourse is to go outside the process and foment massive civil disobedience. Otherwise they may as well give up.

And who should do that?

You massive overestimate the support for Thaksin. Coming on a Saturday or Sunday to Bangkok for 500 Baht is OK, but they would not even stay 1 day longer. If that 200 hardcore communists from the Slums of Bangkok increase their civil disobedience or not will not be recognized.

[Ricardo]

Thanks for posting this 'golden oldie' photo, of a certain biker gang on-tour in the North-East, do you think it might have been significant that the leader's 'old lady' wasn't riding with him, even then ?

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.

And Thaksin also found time to engineer a global boom, which was totally unconnected, with any of the above !

[Samuian]

People have such short memories. Does anyone remember what Taksin was like before the coup? Would not listen to anyone/reason, in the middle of another corruption scandel, very much hated? Any person who craves so much power is someone you need to be wary of. Almost like any other dictator from history. What would have happened if he wasn't toppled? Where would Thailand be now? Run like a dictatorship with Taksin controlling everything and unimaginable wealth amassed with corruption? Buying votes in the countryside is not democracy!

Zimbabwe comes to mind - it was a blooming market, economy was doing alright till the "Liberator" and his cronies came... but Thailand is different it still got the .... ..

I think there are by now many people who understand what thread he really was and will make sure he doesn't return or if so powerless.

Well his Clan is involved, let's see how far he will go, and how far they are willing to go for him!

[sbk]

Posts have been deleted --there is no need for childish profanity filled insults as they add nothing to the discussion.

Also, let me add that the bangkok post does not allow us to post the entire article but the first three sentences and a link only. If posters persist in posting the entire Bangkok Post article I will cease editing and start deleting as its very time consuming.

[Plus]

growing number of those that are now persona non grata in the legit political process

Who are you talking about? Many of the banned execs integrated comfortably already, and most don't profess any ideology at all.

[Siripon]

^I agree that there are numerous MPs who might like to stay kosher with a view to splitting off and joiningthe coalition; but I was referring to the growing number of those that are now persona non grata in the legit political process. These disqualified and disenfranchised people have nothing to lose by becoming even more wayward.

You have to realise that most of the banned MPs have businesses and the MP's salary was merely for expenses, and more importantly, a gateway to secure lucrative contracts. To be banned for 5 years affects the constituency MPs more, but most ensure a relative takes their place.

[hammered]

From TOC

Anti-government groups in Chiang Mai, Lampoon, and Lampang provinces, led by Narongsak Manee, core leader of the Chiang Mai for Democracy group, held a press conference at Sirinath Garden Hotel to announce the upcoming mobile "Truth Today" program at the 700 Year Stadium on February 21st. They also announced that 15 red-shirt groups have separated from the "Love Chiang Mai 51" group.

Narongsak revealed that a phone-in from someone in another country will be included in the event, while affirming that the group did not receive financial support from any politician but collected donations during rallies and events in Chiang Mai Province.

Sources indicated that the separation of 15 new groups was caused by differences in their ideas, as some do not want to support events that are politically and financially motivated. Some people said they do not agree with the use of violence.

Dont quite know what to make of it but these splits dont seem to auger well for all things red.

There is also a PAD rally in Udon on Feb 14. Same day as all things red organise a "peaceful" rally in BKK. Meanwhile in Udon another version of all things red are quite threatening towards PAD. Violence at one red event will not go unconnecte dto the other red event. It is fascinating watching the internal red politcs and seemingly irreconcilable fissures.

The recent Asia Sentinel piece: http://www.asiasentinel.com/index.php?opti...&Itemid=185

imho Also does a reasonable anonymous piece on all things red. It includes such gems as Thaksin being what limits growth! and is one of the few articles that actually states all things red failed to achieve their rally numbers. Persoanlly, I am not yet sold that the red boyos have suddenly become a grassroots people's movement. Just because Giles sold out his dont tango with either dirty side approach and joined the red cause doesnt mean it is suddenly not headed up by sleazy politicians, mafiosa just because Giles says so. In fact the leadership of PTP and all things red is pretty much in the same style of hands as it always was. It is more that Giles has for some reason changed his own position. Im sure if the sleazy politicanns had had the dosh given to them to ram the rally full of nmercenaries the pecentage of repubs and leftists would have been almost unnoticveable. Because a rally is small they stand out. Anyway intersting read and more than I comment on.

[SmugFarangBore]

As well TRT got twice dissolved for vote buying, while the Democrats didn't got dissolved in 60 years, so maybe they just don't like to do illegal things.

Chuan Leekpai, former Thai PM and still Democrat Party chief advisor aka 'The Painter'.

His brother embezzled billions from the banks here and went on the run to Taiwan until the statute of limitations on his crime expired.

He's now pursuing a political career.

[Plus]

Aisa Sentinel put up yet another article overloaded with quotes from Thitinan and Giles.

These two would never ever see "reds" as being a movement to bring back Thaksin, never, their ears are closed to such things, they've got their own agendas to push.