Thaksin's " Big Surprise " Still A Secret

[animatic]

IMHO the whole thing is not a political issue any longer but a personality cult issue!

Thats dangerous when it turns into worshiping someone or something...

People can get blinded and manipulated easily and that can be disastrous for followers...

Some "cult leaders" leap into my mind but it is not appropriate to mention them here.

It has for too long been a well tended and watered Personality Cult.

Thaksinomics, Thaksin University, Thaksin phones in, Thaksin Birthday,

Thaksin black magic ceremonies, Thaksin has cactus pecker removed,

Thaksin visits your town and leaves 1,000 baht, Thaksin scholarships,

Thaksin is 'loved by Malaysian Special branch' cops. Thaksin, this Thaksin that.

If he thought putting his face on a condom pack would keep him popular he would.

Thaksin will give you fertility or infertility depending on your needs.

His good luck, is your good luck, just help him come home...

He has never met you, but he loves you more than anyone else!

Change your name to Shinawatra for good luck and auspiciousness!!!

Only Thaksin makes their world go round.

I keep wondering when the Jim Jones aspect will finally kick in.

Edited July 28, 2009 by animatic

[mc2]

I've posted the same question in a couple of other birthday related threads, but here it goes again:

The attendance was very very short of "majority" of Thai voters (about 16 million), and their petition is in one-two million range.

There just aren't that many reds they believe themselves. Certainly not enough to claim some sort of a democratic mandate.

Tell that to Abhisit who tends to believe the polls that put him behind Thaksin in popularity outside of military/elite circles. No elections soon in Thailand... Same, same Burma.

yes, the nationwide poll of 4000+ just before the birthday put Thaksin ahead of Abhisit in popularity.

attendance numbers at Thaksins 60th birthday would beat the attendance of all Abhisits birthdays put together.

Thaksin political party had some resounding wins in local elections in the NE recently, and it suprised some people.

The guy still caries huge political influence. The military know this, Abhisit knows this, Prem knows it, they are scared and fear an election.

Edited July 28, 2009 by mc2

[Plus]

So Abhisit went down from 50% in March to 30% in July. So did Obama. More importantly - did Thaksin's numbers grew in any way? Don't forget another 30% who chose "neither".

Having about 30% popularity rating when choosing between two people doesn't mean it will translate in an election result where people weigh in a lot more factors, like the quality of Thaksin's proxy party, or having to choose some party anyway.

And even if it does - 34% for PTP is way short of a "majority" they love to claim.

Hypothetically speaking, if PTP gets the same 36% as last time, it will have to drop all its pro-Thaksin's agenda to form a working coalition, just as it did last time, and when they try to push it there will be significant resistance even within the parliament, and their coalition will fall apart, assuming the smaller parties want to go through this routine again in the first place.

As a political force PTP has completely isolated itself and lost all purpose. They are just Thaksin's puppets with no credible leaders or agenda. Last time they even proposed a coalition with Dems, so desperate they have become.

Despite the latest Thaksin PR campaign, the reds are well short of a majority required to even start talking about imposing their will on the rest of the country.

[Jingthing]

I can tell many have come to either the reds meetings or Khun Thaksin's Birthday parties with the hope to take 500 Baht but they came home with no money Who doubts that can just come and see for yourself.

mc2, glad you like the photo. Who's that in your avatar?

Are the actual red shirts free, Koo Koo?

[Sandstone Art]

I can tell many have come to either the reds meetings or Khun Thaksin's Birthday parties with the hope to take 500 Baht but they came home with no money Who doubts that can just come and see for yourself.

mc2, glad you like the photo. Who's that in your avatar?

Are the actual red shirts free, Koo Koo?

It's free only for those birds!

The secret of the 'Big Suprise' is that none was moved to tears as promised earlier.

Did someone forgot to bring those spicy ointment?

[Plus]

Oh, and Abhisit got nearly 20% in the Norh East, Thaksin's got 44%, and some 36% ticked "neither" there.

He's not in the majority even in his own stronghold.

[zzaa09]

Oh, and Abhisit got nearly 20% in the Norh East, Thaksin's got 44%, and some 36% ticked "neither" there.

He's not in the majority even in his own stronghold.

How accurate might these make-believe percentages be? Please....don't suggest that they come by the way of imaginary and manipulated polling. Who makes this s**t up?

[Plus]

Have no idea. Make it what you want.

Also I don't think they had the actual "neither" option on the ballot, just folks who didn't choose either.

When it comes to real elections they have more choices, and also a bit of pressure to choose someone. I don't think it would increase Thaksin's share, though. I don't think any of his supporters opted out of ticking his name in this poll.

[sriracha john]

PETITION FOR ROYAL PARDON

Red shirts claim 4 million signatures

Thaksin phones in to rally to thank supporters; vows to return the favour

The campaign for a royal pardon for fugitive ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra has collected more than 4 million signatures, it was announced during a rally by his supporters late yesterday. Thaksin also made a phone-in address last night. He thanked his supporters for backing the signature campaign and said he felt highly grateful to them.

"I want to return your favour by working for you, which I can't do now. If I can work to return your favour, I will be able to die peacefully," he said.

Veera Musigapong, an organiser of the red shirts' rally at Sanam Luang, said 4.19 million signatures had been collected from all over the country. His announcement led to loud cheers.

The red shirts also plan to hold a protest at the Interior Ministry on Monday against Interior Minister Chaovarat Chanweerakul, whose Bhum Jai Thai Party is campaigning against the signature drive.

The rally in Sanam Luang took place despite warnings from the government that a pardon could only be sought by Thaksin himself or his relatives. The Metropolitan Police Bureau deployed about 1,800 anti-riot police to keep the peace at the rally site, said commissioner Lt-General Worapong Chewpreecha. About 600 policemen were on the ground, while the remainder were held back as potential |reinforcements. Some 150 traffic policemen were responsible for ensuring a smooth traffic flow around the rally site.

Thaksin fled Thailand last August to escape a two-year jail term for conflict of interest. His supporters aim to gather the signatures for forwarding to His Majesty the King in search of a Royal Pardon.

The red-shirted protesters launched the campaign last month following months of sometimes-violent street protests and political conflict between supporters and foes of the ex-premier, who was ousted from office nearly three years ago.

The government has launched a campaign to inform the public that the petition has no legal grounds and is inappropriate.

State-owned television ran a segment with a legal expert yesterday to remind the public it was improper to involve the monarchy in politics.

-- The Nation 2009-08-01

[sriracha john]

Royal Pardon Campaign for Thaksin Stalled in Provinces

Many provinces have delayed the collection of signatures from people who wish to withdraw their names from red shirt's petition seeking a Royal Pardon for ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra due to the uncertain requirements from the Interior Ministry.

Khon Kaen Provincial Office of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation decided to cancel the drive to collect signatures from people who want to withdraw their names from the red-shirt's petition seeking Royal Pardon for fugitive Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

The decision came after some people visited the office to give their signatures, but the officials could not allow them to do so as they did not sign the red-shirt's petition.

Kon Kaen Governor Pramote Sajjaruk, therefore, ordered the collection to be put on hold until a statement and clear requirements regarding the matter have been issued.

In Buri Ram Province, there still has been no collection of names in the city hall and its district offices.

The provincial office said district chiefs in the area are still tied up with the meeting to discuss the related order from the Interior Ministry. A report said that no group of people has come out to protest the government's campaign which kicked off today.

Meanwhile, Interior Minister Chaowarat Charnweerakul assigned provincial governors and district chiefs to arrange for their offices to be venues to solicit locals in their areas who intend to withdraw their names from the red-shirt's petition.

-- Tan Network 2009-07-31

[animatic]

So have a recant list for red petition signees

AND an

I never signed it's a bad idea, because it insults HRM, list too.

[Koo82]

I can tell many have come to either the reds meetings or Khun Thaksin's Birthday parties with the hope to take 500 Baht but they came home with no money

the usual suitcases full of money from Hong Kong didn't make it in time then?

I don't even know who is living in Hong Kong and what they had to do with Khun Thaksin's Birthday.

Maybe someone you're talking about could carry "suitcases full of money" but why don't they use check or something? Carrying cash is not a safe way.

[Artisi]

I can tell many have come to either the reds meetings or Khun Thaksin's Birthday parties with the hope to take 500 Baht but they came home with no money

the usual suitcases full of money from Hong Kong didn't make it in time then?

I don't even know who is living in Hong Kong and what they had to do with Khun Thaksin's Birthday.

Maybe someone you're talking about could carry "suitcases full of money" but why don't they use check or something? Carrying cash is not a safe way.

That is correct, carrying cash round the red-shirt thugs could pove to be dangerous.

[animatic]

I can tell many have come to either the reds meetings or Khun Thaksin's Birthday parties with the hope to take 500 Baht but they came home with no money

the usual suitcases full of money from Hong Kong didn't make it in time then?

I don't even know who is living in Hong Kong and what they had to do with Khun Thaksin's Birthday.

Maybe someone you're talking about could carry "suitcases full of money" but why don't they use check or something? Carrying cash is not a safe way.

Well for one his more zaphtig daughter lives in the 9 million dollar house

she bought with earnings from working MacDonalds...

oh wait that's daddy's off-shore cash he never declared on taxes.

[sriracha john]

Supporters of Thaksin should not go beyond rally: Thai top brasses

BANGKOK (Xinhua) -- Supporters of ousted former Thai premier Thaksin Shinawatra have the basic right to rally in order to show their love to Thaksin, however, they should not create any other movement beyond a mass rally, including of seeking a Royal Pardon for Thaksin, Thai top brasses said here on Friday night.

The Thai government at 9.00 p.m., local time, hosted a special program, entitled "Truth about the Royal Pardon" on a state-owned television NBT, in a move to provide knowledge to the Thai people concerning the country's royal pardon law, amid the mass rally in the center of capital Bangkok by the red-shirted supporters of Thaksin.

Several thousands of the United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) people started their mass rally from Friday afternoon at Sanam Luang, or the royal field square, as the last day of a signature campaign to support the Royal Pardon to be sought for Thaksin.

They plan to submit the pardon petition with names of Thais for Thaksin to the Office of His Majesty's Principal Private Secretary, probably on Aug. 7.

By 22.20 p.m., local time, at the rally site the UDD group claimed that they have gathered 5.3 million names of the Thai people, which will be used to support seeking the Royal Pardon for Thaksin.

Thaksin was ousted by the military coup in September, 2006, in accusation of corruption, and kept in exile since then. Thaksin returned to Thailand in February, 2008 to face corruption charges, but he later fled into exile again and was convicted in absentia.

Under the law, criminals can only petition for the royal amnesty after they have served time for a certain period and expressed repentance, Thai Justice Minister Peerapan Saleerathawipak, who took part in the special program, said.

Also, the fact is that Thaksin has not served any time in prison, or admitted to any wrongdoing, and according to the law, only his family members can petition for the Royal Pardon.

Dr. Jaras Suwanmala, Dean of Political Science, Chulalongkorn University, another participant of the special program, said under democratic principle the Royal Pardon's petition is not the provision for a personal interest.

Hence, it is not appropriate for Thaksin, who is using his political influence as the former prime minister, to seek the Royal Pardon, said Dr. Jaras.

The organization, which will receive the UDD group's petition letter to seek the Royal Pardon for Thaksin, will need to carefully consider what they should do after receiving the petition letter, Dr. Jaras said.

His comment has echoed a latest move by rectors of all 26 state universities, who have signed their names to express opposition to the red-shirted people's plan to petition His Majesty for the pardon for Thaksin.

The rector stance has been announced on Friday by the rectors as they would submit a letter to the Office of His Majesty Principal Private Secretary, asking it not to forward the petition letter of the red-shirted people to His Majesty.

All of the participants of the TV special program have agreed that the petition will affect the country's revered monarchy institution.

Meanwhile, the business sector here in Thailand is worried that the country's political uncertainty outlook will prolong the domestic economic downturn. The re-gathering by Thaksin's supporters is jittering since the country's recent political chaos, which was caused by the red-shirted people, resulted in the collapse of the ASEAN Summit and its related meetings in Thailand in mid-April.

In a latest survey among 1,291 members by the Japanese Chamber of Commerce (JCC) in Bangkok, during May 26 and June 26, it was discovered that among potential factors, which would affect the Thai economy over the next one to two years, include the domestic long-term political turmoil. Some Japanese companies have already deferred new investment, or deferred investment for expansion, Munenori Yamada, president of the JCC Economic Survey Team and the Japanese Chamber of Commerce, said. Therefore, Yamada has warned any prolonged political turmoil might eventually affect Japanese investments in Thailand.

Meanwhile, former Thai Finance Minister Virabongsa Ramangkura has echoed the JCC view as he has doubted over the Thai economic recovery.

Other foreign economies might recover quicker than that of Thailand since the Thai political problem might prolong the country's economic downturn, Virabongsa said.

- Xinhua / 2009-08-01

[sriracha john]

Rectors of 26 universities sign name against Thaksin petition

Rectors of all 26 state universities have signed their name to express opposition to the red-shirt movement campaign to gather signatures to petition His Majesty for a pardon for former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

The stand of the rectors was announced Friday by Prof Doctor Phirom Kamolratanakul, Rector of Chulalongkorn University who chairs the assembly of university rectors.

Phirom said the rectors saw that the universities should provide correct guidance and a way-out for the society to try to end the on-going divisiveness.

He said the rectors did not take side but they based their decision on academic decision.

He said the rectors would submit a letter to the Office of His Majesty Principal Private Secretary, asking it not to forward the petition of the red-shirt movement to His Majesty.

-- The Nation 2009-08-01

[sriracha john]

UDD ignoring calls to back off

PUSH TO STOP ROYAL PARDON PETITION

Ignoring growing protests against its push for a Royal Pardon for convicted criminal Thaksin Shinawatra, the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) plans to forward its petition to the palace by August 12.

The group ended its signature-gathering campaign in the early hours of yesterday and claims its petition has the support of 5.4 million people. UDD leaders said the name-list is now undergoing accuracy checks and would be submitted to His Majesty the King by August 12.

It is expected the list will be submitted through the Office of His Majesty's Principal Private Secretary.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/local/2132...lls-to-back-off

-- Bangkok Post 2009-08-02

[sriracha john]

PM: Thaksin pardon 'inappropriate'

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, commenting on the petition seeking a Royal Pardon for deposed prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, said the high institution should not get involved with political disputes.

During his weekly television programme on Sunday morning, Mr Abhisit said the red-shirt United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) should stop gathering signatures to request a Royal Pardon for convicted former premier Thaksin, as the process did not meet the criteria and it was inappropriate to involve the monarchy in politics.

"The royal pardon could only be sought by the convicted or one's family members and the individual must serve an imprisonment sentence first. In this case, it looks like the objective is to oppose the court's verdict and I see this as a political issue," the prime minister said. The government had tried to explain this to the general public to prevent them from being misled, he said.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/local/1508...n-inappropriate

-- Bangkok Post 2009-08-02

[sriracha john]

Special Report: Facts about Royal Pardon

The anti-government United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship’s (UDD) campaign for a Royal Pardon for former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has caused concerns for the Thai government and the general public. The government has responded to the UDD’s campaign by proactively informing the public of regulations and procedures of a Royal Pardon.

Earlier this week, the Faculties of Law and Political Science of Chulalongkorn University arranged a debate to clarify laws and regulations on the petitioning of a Royal Pardon.

The debate was attended by academics and highly-respected figures from various occupations. Secretary-General to the Education Council, Associate Professor Thongthong Chantharangsu, said during the debate that there were 2 types of civil petitions submitted to His Majesty the King - the petitions for a Royal Pardon and the complaint petitions.

Civil petitions have bound Thai Kings and their subjects since the Sukhothai era. However, the academic said a Royal Pardon could not overrule a court’s verdict.

The professor further explained that those who petitioned for a Royal Pardon must do good deeds for the country in the past or currently suffer from illnesses or hardships.

The Department of Corrections will gather all petitions of prisoners and submit them to the Ministry of Justice for consideration and comment.

The ministry will then submit the petitions to His Majesty the King who will decide whether to grant a Royal Pardon. The Bureau of the Royal Household will return all petitions to the ministry each time a new justice minister is appointed for the re-evaluation of the petitions.

Apart from a Royal Pardon for a criminal, people who receive disciplinary and civil punishments can also petition for a Royal Pardon. But a Royal Pardon does not take place easily as His Majesty the King is a constitutional monarch who has limited powers.

Assoc Prof Thongthong remarked that political problems must be solved by political methods, not by the monarch’s powers. He urged those seeking a Royal Pardon to exercise their discretion and try to leave the monarchy out of their problems.

He also encouraged all Thai people to take the matter seriously into consideration as it might lead to other problems in Thai society.

-- NNT 2009-08-01

[sriracha john]

Government to verify signatures for Thaksin-pardon petition: PM

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said Sunday that the government will verify the signatures attached to the red-shirt movement's petition to seek a Royal Pardon for former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

Abhisit said when the red-shirt movement submits the petition to the Office of His Majesty's Principal Private Secretary, the office will seek an opinion of the government.

The government will verify the signatures to see whether they lists are not forged and the signatories really want to petition His Majesty for Thaksin's pardon, Abhisit said.

He said if there are irregularities, the ones who submit the lists must be held responsible.

The prime minister did not say how the government would verify the some 4 million names as the red-shirt movement had earlier announced it gathered over 4 million signatures.

-- The Nation 2009-08-02

[sriracha john]

If you thought the last "big surprise" of Thaksin acting as a karoke tenor was spectacular... more "big surprises" are apparently on the way.

[sriracha john]

Puea Thai Party: People want Thaksin back

The opposition Puea Thai party believed many people who signed the petition asking for a royal pardon for former prime minister Thaksin wanted the ousted premier to return to help the country.

Puea Thai MP for Samut Prakarn Pracha Prasopdee said on Sunday that the current government could not solve many problems of the people. "People want Thaksin back to help improve their well-being, which the government could not achieve," he said.

There will also be a big surprise soon that could make Thai people unite, he said.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breakingnews/15...nt-thaksin-back

-- Bangkok Post 2009-08-02

[sriracha john]

ABAC Poll: People want Thaksin to petition by himself

BANGKOK, 2 August 2009 (NNT) – ABAC Poll reveals that most Thai people want the former Prime Minister Thaksin to petition for Royal Pardon by himself.

Director of ABAC Poll Research Office Mr. Noppadon Kannikar revealed the ‘ABAC Real Time Poll’ about people’s recognition and awareness to the government’s work between Mr. Abhisit Vejjajiva’s administration and Police Lieutenant-Colonel Thaksin Shinawatra’s administration.

The survey was conducted among over 18-year-old people in 18 provinces nationwide covering 1,484 households on August 1, 2009.

It found that 73.4% of people considered that the current political atmosphere was not improved or worse than the beginning of the year. In regards to economic affairs, 60.6% of the respondents considered that it was not improved or worse. Meanwhile 71.6% of people considered that unity among people in the country was not improved or worse.

Regarding their recognition to the news, which was reported during the former Prime Minister Police Lieutenant-Colonel Thaksin’s administration compared to the Prime Minister Abhistit Vejjajiva’s administration, 78.8% of people recognized the corruption in Police Lieutenant-Colonel Thaksin’s era, while 65.8% recognized the corruption in the current government.

When asked about the Royal Pardon petition for the former prime minister, 77.3% of the respondents would like the former prime minister to petition for Royal Pardon by himself, while more than half of people or 51.7% were not happy with the people’s movement for a Royal Pardon petition.

-- NNT 2009-08-02

[Cayenne]

If he thought putting his face on a condom pack would keep him popular he would.

What size do you reckon?

Only Thaksin makes their world go round.

I keep wondering when the Jim Jones aspect will finally kick in.

I'm sure there are quite a few people here willing to prepare the Kool Aid...

[Crushdepth]

There will also be a big surprise soon that could make Thai people unite, he said.

This time Thaksin will pole dance in a bunny suit and fishnets.

[animatic]

If he thought putting his face on a condom pack would keep him popular he would.

What size do you reckon?

Only Thaksin makes their world go round.

I keep wondering when the Jim Jones aspect will finally kick in.

I'm sure there are quite a few people here willing to prepare the Kool Aid...

Lek of course,

he has a Napoleon complex and yet isn't very short in stature.

Something else must be !

My original idea was :

The Thaksin face on the reservoir end of the Katoey Special model.

Quite apropos because that's where Thaksin is sticking it to Thailand

I suspect a glass of corked Petrus is more his style.

He can afford it,

but some how I doubt he knows a good Chateau Petrus from a bad one.

Edited August 2, 2009 by animatic

[animatic]

There will also be a big surprise soon that could make Thai people unite, he said.

This time Thaksin will pole dance in a bunny suit and fishnets.

While in flames and singing the Marseillaise.

[sriracha john]

Government to check names seeking Royal Pardon for Thaksin

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said yesterday the government would check the name list requesting a Royal Pardon for former premier Thaksin Shinawatra for fear that people were tricked into signing the petition.

"Those who file the petition must take responsibility if they duped the people. We will take legal action if there is any irregularity,'' Abhisit said.

The red shirts would have to submit the petition through the Office of His Majesty's Principal Private Secretary, which is authorised to decide whether it could be lodged, he said.

The office normally seeks the government's opinion first and the government must look for any discrepancies.

Abhisit said the Council of University Presidents of Thailand had earlier forwarded its opinion to the office that the red shirts may have an ulterior motive in filing the petition even though it realised that such a petition could not be accepted.

Abhisit defended the Interior Ministry for opening a channel for people who had lent their signatures to withdraw them, saying the ministry was concerned they might have been misled.

Pheu Thai Party spokesman Prompong Nopparit said the people were entitled to appeal to His Majesty the King according to Article 91 of the Constitution and the government should let them exercise their rights.

He said the Party would file a complaint on Wednesday with the National Anti-Corruption Commission against Interior Minister Chaovarat Chanweerakul and the ministry's permanent secretary Wichai Srikwan for instructing governors and district chiefs to oppose the petition and urge people to withdraw their names. He accused the two of malfeasance for violating Articles 157 and 259 of the Criminal Code.

Thaksin phoned in to a community radio programme in Chiang Mai attacking the government for depriving citizens of their rights for the move to block the petition.

"If the petition is sent through the Thai post office, or district chief it will go missing,'' he said.

A group called "Thais who love peace", led by Dr Wallop Yangtrong, held a press conference to attack the Council of University Presidents of Thailand for opposing the signature drive, saying the people have the right to seek royal mercy and it is the royal prerogative to make that decision.

He questioned the move to block the petition as a possible offence to the power vested in the monarchy.

-- The Nation 2009-08-03

Edited August 3, 2009 by sriracha john

[Plus]

Pheu Thai Party spokesman Prompong Nopparit said the people were entitled to appeal to His Majesty the King according to Article 91 of the Constitution and the government should let them exercise their rights.

Oh really? That dude either misspoke or he was intentionally misleading

Section 91. Members of the House of Representatives or senators of not less than one-tenth of the total number of the existing members of each House shall have the right to lodge with the President of the House of which they are members a complaint asserting that the membership of any member of such House has terminated under section 106 (3), (4), (5), (6), (7), (8), (10), or (11) or section 119 (3), (4), (5), (7), or (8), as the case may be, and the President of the House with whom the complaint is lodged shall refer it to the Constitutional Court for decision as to whether the membership of such person has terminated.

He meant 191:

Section 191. The King has the prerogative to grant a pardon.

Edited August 3, 2009 by Plus

[animatic]

Under 191, and 500+ year old precedent, citizens are entitled to petition the king.

But to pressure HRM to act, in an improper manner, is not a right.

Threatening to use force if the petition is found improper is pressure of an untoward amount.

Having a perogative also allows discretion, and such an elevated position obviously has layers of

etiquette and protocol in place, to shield from spurious, usurious, or improper attempts at influence.

And punishments for such actions that are just.

Edited August 3, 2009 by animatic