Thai Government Seeking International Help In Capturing Thaksin

[george]

Update:

Point of no return

PHNOM PENH: -- Yesterday was the first time Thaksin Shinawatra had come so close to Thailand since he fled the country about a year or so ago. He landed in Phnom Penh at the controversial invitation of Prime Minister Hun Sen.

Yet the hero's welcome, the embraces and the elaborate "family" photograph he took with the Cambodian elite may have pushed several issues well past the point of no return.

Already suffering bilateral relations were in even worse shape yesterday as Thaksin and Hun Sen had a celebratory dinner and the Cabinet in Thailand resolved to tear up the memorandum of understanding on overlapping maritime claims.

Earlier speculation that Thaksin might decide to make a last-minute U-turn due to political concerns from his main political backers in Thailand was quelled by the presence of his brother-in-law, former PM Somchai Wongsawat, and Somchai's wife Yaowapa in Phnom Penh.

In one of the most tantalising political photos ever taken, Somchai and Yaowapa were seen posing with Hun Sen, his wife and their family members. Hun Sen, shrugging off the fast-deteriorating ties with the Abhisit government, obviously wants everyone to know that Thaksin is the Thai political horse he is betting upon.

Thaksin's private jet landed at Phnom Penh International Airport in the morning and he was escorted to the capital by a convoy of cars under tight security. He suddenly became a media star, with local and foreign reporters scrambling to cover every detail of the visit, which was also featured on television news.

"Thaksin is here for the economy and not activities related to politics. It is an honour for Cambodia's economic sector and we hope that Cambodians nationwide welcome him warmly," Cambodian cabinet spokesman Phay Siphan said.

However, Thaksin's Pheu Thai Party was left suffering from a political backlash at home, so much so that some party members wished he would just thank Hun Sen for the invitation and return to his exile as far away and as soon as possible.

With Hun Sen and Cambodia as a whole being dragged into Thai politics - leaving Thaksin's supporters seething and Hun Sen's supporters worried - the already slim chances of reconciliation have become even slimmer.

Cambodian state television, showing Thaksin and Hun Sen embracing, reported that the Cambodian leader had pronounced him an "eternal friend" and "the best adviser with economic leadership". In return, Thaksin reportedly thanked Hun Sen for offering him the post of an adviser, adding that "nothing could compare" to his excitement over the new job.

Thaksin also plans to visit the famous Angkor Wat temple during his trip, TV reports said.

Hun Sen was also seen hugging Somchai and Yaowapa, whose presence in Phnom Penh coincided with earlier rumours that Thaksin's innermost circle was setting up a "war room" in the Cambodian capital amid concerns that the Hun Sen saga was threatening Thaksin's popularity back home.

There was also the possible complication of a Thai extradition request, although Hun Sen has unequivocally said such a demand from Bangkok would be rejected.

Even before landing in Phnom Penh, Thaksin's future in Thailand looked particularly grim after Times Online published an interview quoting him as calling for a reform in the institution of monarchy. Thaksin strongly denied having criticised the monarchy, but his defiant touchdown in Cambodia is unlikely to help his political predicament.

From his Phnom Penh sanctuary, Thaksin again last night insisted on his loyalty to the Thai monarch and his love for the country. He attacked the Democrats for taking advantage of the "distorted" Times Online report and using it to smear him.

Thaksin said he had "made a mistake" in responding to a question

posed by the British journalist about the succession of the throne, adding that he had simply thought of the rule of succession in general, without thinking of His Majesty's health.

"I want to bang my head against the floor. I forgot that His Majesty was in hospital," he said during a broadcast from Cambodia. "I pray for the King to recover quickly from his illness and remain the guiding light for Thai people for a long time to come."

He said on the Internet-based ThaksinLive radio and People's TV that he had complained in writing to The Times for misinterpreting what he had said and making the headline and lead paragraph in the article offensive to the Thai people. He said he expected the newspaper to rectify the report in a day or two.

As a new economic adviser to the Cambodian government, Thaksin said he would be lecturing Cambodian cabinet members and senior bureaucrats about how to reduce the country's poverty tomorrow.

"I won't come to this country too often. I am afraid the [Thai] government will have no time to work," he said.

But coming just once might be enough to damage many things beyond repair, some observers believe.

-- The Nation 2009-11-11

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[travelguy]

Suspect many ardent Thaksin supporters here 'simply' wish their unrealistic Walter Mitty-esque lifestyles could somehow be rejuvenated if only Mr Thaksin could 'bring back the good times' (nothing to do with 'democracy';). Nevermind the world has completely changed since and as always, wherever YOU go (warts n all) there YE be.... (Phils, Nam, Cambo etc, etc, or even blighty = same-same, as time and self grinds for some, as always sadly, wherever they go)

Therefore, sorry Thaksin FEARang supporters, but the pound won't rebound to 75 (etc), the Leo won't get colder and the girls won't get warmer= 'POOF' and welcome to REALITY. With Mr Thaksin or without, build a bridge and get over it already, or you're likely done as well. Chok dee.

You're naive and you obviously have no understanding of what actually took place during Thaksins reign. There was a massive power shift taking place. It had nothing to do with Thaksins mongerings and financial dealings. That was a red herring for simpletons to grasp on to.

But you probably never understood politics in your own country either.

If this was a true democracy I would go into details. It's not. I'll respect the owners of this board and not go there...though anybody reading material from OUTSIDE Thailand knows full well what I'm referring to.

[xminator]

There is two ways forward for Thailand. Its a simple fact of dempgraphics in Thailand and the way its changed the last 30 year, a change thats accelerating. Either supress the poor young majority or face a further polarization of thai politics. Thaksin rode the first wave of this "new politics". The old politics knee jerked and is still spasming. They can't go full Burma because even if thai is thai, the average thai politician do have concern for how things look from the outside.

Anyone want to guess who the Chinese is betting their money on in this fight?

[Considered Opinion]

This is Asia.

Offer a reward.

[gregb]

Anyone who uses Thailand and democracy in the same sentence is naive.

You can select from tyranny by a demagogue like Thaksin or tyranny from the Thai elite. There is no will of the people, and elections are meaningless. The coup was no more illegal than the elections that preceded it, or the ones that will follow. The whole thing is a sham.

I'll take the current government over the proceeding ones. At least they try and practice balanced corruption. That is a huge improvement over any other government this decade, who decided that their personal fortunes were more important than trying to play nicely in the same sandbox with everyone else . Personally, I think they should just return Thailand to an absolute monarchy and be done with it.

Thaksin has done more than enough evil to justify death by slow torture. He has never been legitimate. He is simply a divisive nuisance that needs to be removed by any means necessary. Here's hoping that some country will have the courage to extradite him.

The sad thing is, the rural Thai people would probably find substantial sympathy for their plight if they would simply submit the jerk for proper punishment, like being drawn and quartered. He does more to hurt their chances of getting a fair deal than he ever did to help them.

There will be civil war if he ever tries to return to politics. Too many people become violently ill just looking at him.

[guyshown]

If the current government would focus a little more on the future and not the past maybe things would look better. How is the tourism this year? how is the export? how is the agriculture business.. they only have the media power because the Kings family is low profile these days. IT IS EASY PUTTING THE BLAME ON THE OLD GOVERMENT .. TO GIVE A REASON TO EXCUSE YOUR FAILURES....! Ok Thaksin was not perferct i aggree but the majority of the people were better off!!!!!!!!!!!! but the biggest problem is the masses were starting to enter the world of what I call the "white collar' world........ the lone farmer was gaining enougth to enter the anual income $ of the " government worker" or the 17% of thai population........ versus the 63% of the population.. ok i have ran my mouth enough (maybe venting) best wishes for all but really let the past be past and freaking get something done.. like jump on the fact that the rest of asia rice harvest this year is crap .....................neee who would ever think of export deals................ oh what is the yang para price now..............

[Rinrada]

untitled.bmp

Could be a reminder of the "Chuckle brothers" but whos doing all the laffing..

ASEAN meeting this week init....should be fun

Abbi talk tae Hun....Hun.... say summit........Sok Subai....maybe.....suppose the lease the better

[Rinrada]

untitled.bmp...bit slow...

[SNGLIFE]

The FACT of the matter is that Thaksin OVERWHELMINGLY won TWO elections. By all accounts, he would do so again if given the chance. The people have spoken, and the Bangkok minority should do away with the politically motivated persecution and face him in another election.

Love or hate him, democracy should rule.

So many are condemning his "conviction", yet conveniently forget that he was illegally and removed from power in violation of the Constitution, and the current government removed the previous (replacement) government and snatched power in much the same way. They held the entire country hostage by occupying and closing the airport. Though it was weaponless, coercion or extortion, take your pick.

I would defend the current government if they had won by the ballot, but they DID NOT. They snatched it via parliamentary maneuvering. Bring on the votes and let the people decide again!

[brahmburgers]

Interpol has bigger fish to fry. T has thus far been convicted of a relatively minor offense. I predict Interpol will turn down the request.

If Interpol did take it on, they would alert the police in the place he's located, in this case, Cambodia. Cambodian cops, like cops throughout SE Asia, can't keep a secret, so T's bodyguards would find out in minutes, and T would split the scene. Plus, if the head honcho, Hun Sen, doesn't want Cambodian authorities to detain T (as he's indicated), then they won't.

T himself said that even if he accepted the offer (of being an agent for Cambodia), he would work 'online' from elsewhere. Of course T lies more often than tells the truth, so one can't be sure about anything he says. However, T still thinks that a majority of Issanites actively support him (actually, not true), so, in the course of his insatiable craving for power, he would want to be near them, so he can stir up ever more trouble for Thailand.

Continuing and worsening trouble for Thailand is the grease that lubricates T's plans to march back triumphantly, so that's why he continually harps on about grave problems within Thailand. Incidentally, that also is not true, as Thailand is doing quite alright, and would be improving further if one particular person wasn't constantly trying to stir up trouble.

[brahmburgers]

Harboring despots has always been good business for the host country.

My own country, US, has harbored more than a few, particularly in Florida. Papa Doc, Baby Doc (Haiti), Somoza (Nicaragua), Marcos (Philippines) ....and others. France (Bokassa) and Saudi Arabia (Idi Amin) are also hosts which are adept at overlooking past sins of rich dictators. Having a very rich exiled despot in residence is guaranteed big influx of money. Hun Sen probably knows that also.

Regarding Thailand's policy of trying to get T back to Thailand; Sorry to say, but that would create more problems than him flying around to small countries and trying to stir up mischief - which T would do regardless of where he was situated. If T were in Thailand, he would become an even greater focus for protests. Better to have him continue shooting himself in the foot, and slowly fade to bleating in his tin horn at his dwindling number of supporters.

[Jimi007]

Sore losers.... They do precisely as Thaksin wants. They undermine their own credibility. If Thskin returns he would either get killed before he leaves the airport or five million voters will run amok in Bangkok. Either way, he is traveling on an diplomatic passport. Maybe there is a chance that they will lock up the Thai foreign minister soon too, After all he is indicted on counts of economic terrorism, a bit more serious than the mocked up charge of "conflict of interest" on which Thaksin has been sentenced.

So far so good for Thaksin, the yellow shirts are soon back on the street they are calling for war, but they are of course irresponsible people, so there is a good chance that there will be a house dissolution. We will see afterwards who is right Thaksin's Peu Thai or the Democratic party. I put my money on Peu Thai.

His Diplomatic passport was cencelled months and months ago.

Dubai issued him a new passport after Thailand finally cancelled his...

[khunjamespittman]

Cambodia's recent activities with Thaksin really scaring thai gov......i wonder why..

Just use instead of Thailand and Cambodia, France and Germany or Czech republic and Hungary. You would get very similar reactions.

Or think Venezuela makes Bin Laden to his adviser.

You really know how to go WAY OVER TOP!

[Happy Jack]

If Wee Wifey (From Mae Chiem in Chiang Mai province) is any indication of public opinion then Taksin's popularity in the north is no longer what it was. She says he's just trying to make trouble for Thailand. She says that people only liked him because he gave everyone money. Wee Wifey is a more educated than many so her opinion might not be the same as everyone's but it still suggests that Taksin's strongholds are not as strong as they were. I guess that money is all spent now and obviously there is no more coming. He did buy his popularity but he hasn't made another payment for some time now.

Simple solution for Thailand: Send a sniper team across the border one dark and stormy night........

[flying]

Just use instead of Thailand and Cambodia, France and Germany or Czech republic and Hungary. You would get very similar reactions.

Or think Venezuela makes Bin Laden to his adviser.

Or worse someone like Obama the president of the greatest nation on earth making a tax evader his Treasury secretary or worse Rahm Emanuel his chief of staff

Or even worse Gates his defense guy

We who live in glass houses shouldn't....................

Edited November 11, 2009 by flying

[OzMick]

Thailand was never colonized by Europeans right? Are other nations (in Asia or wherever) that WERE colonized and introduced to democratic government having so many problems? Coup after coup etc etc.

Just wondering .. maybe the answer to all of Thailand's problems would be .. to be invaded. Teach 'em the ropes for 100 years and then hand over the reigns.

EDIT .. Just a "Brain Fart" .. not to be taken seriously

now that is worth a smile, intended or not

[plaaduk]

Why don't they just put a bounty on his head? .. 50,000,000 Baht?

.. surely some Arnold, Sean, Sylvester, Jean Claude type out there could drag him in squealing. He's in a great spot (Cambo) ... could smuggle him in overland .. or maybe if they managed to man handle him all the way to the Thai border .... would the Border officials co-operate and let them bring him in?

Typical cowboy mindset! Hey, grow up! This is the 21st century!You have been on a diet of too many Westerns!

[ryladie99]

I just don't understand Cambodia's intentions by even having Thaksin there. It almost seems that life is so dull that one needs to pick a fight with someone or something just to make it interesting. Can't Thaksin consider this a work at home job and do it from the comfort of some tropical island? What a home business opportunity, advisor to Cambodia, I wonder if he accepts Paypal?

Thanks for posting and I love your sense of humor...I think the Cambodian government wants the Ex Prime Minister money and business idea. However, it is too close for comfy...Now, the Thai government has to act quick before thing goes wrong. If I am an ex Prime Minister I will hang out in Dubai and have the best of life out there. Cambodia weather is quite warm and more work than having fun..my take and opinion.

[Scott]

The Thai gov't has waited how long to do something? It reminds me of my mother...."And now I am really mad and just wait until your father get's home."

[takyng]

I don't think Interpol can arrest anyone, can they?

And what you think go happen iff they arrest him...? Do they really wish to have an uprising here in Thailand..not forget how many follow him ....

That's what I am thinking. Shouldn't this govt. just leave this alone and let the story die? What is going to happen if they bring him hear, handcuff him, and send him to jail? There will be a massive uprising. Civil war. But maybe I'm wrong...

ya i agree with you........... if he send to jail , will his power and influence will accur people not statisfy ?

[rfhendrix]

...I'll take the current government over the proceeding ones. At least they try and practice balanced corruption....

"balanced corruption"? It never ceases to amaze me how people justify a cowardly coup and its resulting "balanced corruption".

Edited November 11, 2009 by rfhendrix

[webfact]

Thailand to submit Thaksin's extradition request Wednesday

Thai Embassy to Phnom Penh will submit extradition request for Cambodia to extradite Thaksin Shinawatra on Wednesday, an official said Tuesday.

The Thai Attorney General Office signed the official request and foward the document through the foreign ministry late Tuesday, a few hours after Thaksin landed in Phnom Penh to perform his job as an adivsor to Cambodian government.

-- The Nation 2009/11/11

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[Samuian]

Does anyone ranting on about the efficiency of Thai Government remember how long the British police tried to have Ronald Briggs extradited from Brazil?

More recent how long did it take to have Rakesh Saxena, a max fraudster been brought back from a Nation like Canada?

Why doesn't the fugitive stay n his multi million Dollar property in Hongkong, why not in the posh place in London, why Dubai?

All this speaks for whom, for him, he isn't trying very hard not to get "nailed" somewhere?

This Person thinks he can make a fool out of the current government and with his Proxy-Governments before this of everybody else, I think he has more then "a few people p_ssed off"!

And the tide starts to turn against him, he is losing the support of the "poor", of those he made to carry him on his shield, by deceiving tactics, tax gift's and other cheap tricks.... his popularity is shrinking fast, there might be soon the day, very few are going to listen or to hear anything from the "troublemaker" Thai people after all, are "allergic" against any sort of unnecessary trouble

Keep on runnin'!

Some "Ms. Rosanna" may have some people seriously check if there is enough in the Times Interview to get him in on LM!

[hammered]

The Cambodia thing is seen as damaging to him by certain of his lieutenants but it the other issue that is potantially even worse. Thaksin's latest admission of what he forgot is quite telling.

I wonder if anyone has an opinion on has Thaksin made a subtle strategy shifty where he now accepts he isnt going home but is fighting for different ends? I have no opinion on this myself but could see how such a strategy change would explain recent manouvers

[Scott]

Hammered: Thanks for the post. I have been wondering the same thing, but couldn't quite articulate it. I also can't quite see what his goal and strategy are. Unfortunately, we tend to operate in an information void in the country, with too many things left unsaid. I think the recent discussions from an overseas publication gave a few of us a brief, but enlightening insight to what it is like to be playing with a full deck of cards.

He may also be in a high stakes poker game waiting for a big change in Thailand. Again somethings we may not know about and can't discuss.

His timing is interesting.

[stevemck]

again...where did i put that long range sniper rifle?

I really don't know which person I should respond to so I picked you because you must have fascist blood in you somewhere.

As this forum goes I'm just a newbie and figure my opinion doesn't mean squat to most of you. I get from your responses that a lot of you are liberal Europeans. I've only been here for a few years, but I remember when Taksin asked the King if he should step down. The King told him no. I remember when the legally elected Prime Minister left his country to attend to State business outside of the country and a bunch of military leaders that were trying to cover for their dirty friends took over the country by military coup. I remember that they tried him in abstentia, which means that he didn't have a chance in h3!! of defending himself. I remember that the opposing party lost the second election too. But their rioting and protests caused the government that was in power (Taksin's government) to step down for the good of Thailand.

I have to admit I'm a naïve American. I believe that the majority rules. (Or I would be out hunting for a Presidential pretender!!) Why is it that many of you think it's alright for the losers of the election to take this country by force, but that the head of the duly elected government should be shot, arrested, or incarcerated?

I know this sounds like a rant for Taksin, and I do believe he is good for the country, ( I know stupid American Yah dah, Yah dah, Yah dah,) but beyond that you talk about second world countries, like they're a bad thing. If this is so, and you choose to live in one, then shouldn't we be encouraging democracy (the majority rules), rather than who owns the media wins? I know your going to roast me, but that's okay it's been done by experts.

.

Hello fellow American Stevemck,

I remember Thailand before Thaksin was PM, while Thaksin was PM and after Thaksin had been PM.

I also remember the United States before George W. Bush was president (in a clear steal), while GWB was president and after GWB was president.

I'll take both Abhisit and Obama, thank you.

You can have them, Heck I'll toss in Marx and Stalin too!

[Samuian]

The Cambodia thing is seen as damaging to him by certain of his lieutenants but it the other issue that is potantially even worse. Thaksin's latest admission of what he forgot is quite telling.

I wonder if anyone has an opinion on has Thaksin made a subtle strategy shifty where he now accepts he isnt going home but is fighting for different ends? I have no opinion on this myself but could see how such a strategy change would explain recent manouvers

Good point, think it's a threat at first hand, if he's going to start something serious in Hun Sen Land, where is he going to go, Hun Sen might not just freeze big money... he may closely watch his "friends doing" and in turn I don;t think that the fugitive could ever trust his "friend"!

It may have been just a publicity stunt for some advice he may have given or simply a business meeting on some issues which could make some people jealous, or some strategy like this - but however it looks like so far, this move has caused more damage to himself...

I just wonder what would happen if Hun Sen get's the Fugitive arrested, he couldn't have a better bargain tool in his hands ever!

Edited November 11, 2009 by Samuian

[stevemck]

Comparing Abhisit to Gordon Brown and Thaksin to Suu Kyi; my we are getting creative.

Do read on - I compare Thaksin to Bush and connect Abhisit and Obama.

You can't however associate either of my analogies to that of the asinine work of Hun Sen comparing Thaksin to Suu Kyi. That one just doesn't hold tom yam. Suu Kyi the Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, Obama the same. Hun Sen the Kymer cutthroat, Thaksin the Cambodian betraying his country in a bizzare but unsurprisingly desperte transformation of alliegance.

I anyway couldn't imagine you or I would want to have either Thaksin or Hun Sen as our leader.

What did Obamanation do to deserve that "Nobel Peace Prize"? You must be smokin' some good stuff!

[Tyke]

It's the Thai government's own fault for letting him get away in the first place. Since then they have blamed the UK and now Cambodia. If any other country does not fall into line, they will blame them too. It's a great way to focus attention away from the problems Abhisit's government is under, particularly when members of his own government are actively encouraging Thaksin.TIT.

Edited November 11, 2009 by Tyke

[khaowong1]

Cambodia's recent activities with Thaksin really scaring thai gov......i wonder why..

I don't think it's about being scared. He is doing irrepairable damage to the country so something had to give.

They should have done it a long time ago. Get this matter resolved once and for all so the country can move on.

Thailand will never move on because even if they arrest Thaksin the powers that be in this country will manage to create another mess that damages the Thailand, it doesn't matter which side they are on Democrats, reds, yellows, blues, PAD, it just doesn't matter, the results are always the same. Thailand is a 2nd would country and always will be.

In my opinion, I think you are just a little bit wrong here. I think Thailand is a 3rd world country. but they probably appreciate the upgrade.