Desperate Thaksin May Go For Broke

[webfact]

ANALYSIS

Desperate Thaksin may go for broke

By Political Desk

The Nation

Published on November 23, 2009

With his assets seizure trial nearing its end, Thaksin Shinawatra may find himself a drowning man clutching desperately at every last straw.

A judgement against him will certainly quash the pardon-Thaksin petition that his supporters submitted in September, shutting down all avenues for him to escape legal punishment.

This has prompted speculation, or fears to be exact, that his red-shirted supporters could run amok before the court is scheduled to hand down the ruling.

Thaksin needs to protect his Bt76 billion assets, perhaps his last resources as far as the public knows, which have been frozen at the request of the Assets Examination Committee. As the court is expected to read its verdict in mid-December at the earliest, if Thaksin were to have any chance of survival he would need the royal pardon before then. But the pardon seems to be drifting in a long process.

If the fugitive ex-premier is found guilty in his Bt76-billion assets case, which is now before the Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Political Office Holders, his chances of staging a comeback to politics would be zero. The curtain would be drawn on him. The court won't allow an appeal unless the defendant can produce new evidence. A portion or even all of his assets will be confiscated depending on the court verdict.

Thaksin will also later face criminal charges for malfeasance and dereliction of duty in violation of Article 157. As he violated the law on many counts he may end up getting sentenced to dozens of years in prison.

On the other hand, if Thaksin is found not guilty in the assets case he may feel relieved. He will have only the two-year jail term for the Ratchadaphisek land purchase to serve. His other cases are still just in court.

Yellow-shirted protest leader Sondhi Limthongkul also once said he would not mind if Thaksin was granted a pardon after he surrendered and came back to Thailand.

As nobody, even the fugitive ex-premier, knows how the assets decision will turn out, Thaksin has no choice but to topple the Democrat-led government by all means before the court concludes the case to pave the way for his return.

Thaksin maybe realises that the court might reach a finding sooner rather than later, so he has no time to prolong his battle. He has to end the game sooner rather than later. After using neighbouring country Cambodia to attack Thailand, leading to a dispute between the two countries, the fugitive ex-premier is now blowing the whistle to his supporters to oust the government. That's why his red-shirted supporters moved their rally up.

The red shirts will now kick off their "showdown rally" on Saturday - a day earlier than planned - in a bid to "bring down" the government as soon as possible. The red-shirt leaders expect one million people to join the protest. They would disperse temporarily on December 2 to make way for ceremonies to mark His Majesty the King's birthday on December 5, and re-gather after that.

One week before the rally, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva got death threats from community radio stations in Chiang Mai, which is Thaksin's political base. Abhisit had scheduled to visit the province next Sunday.

During the Songkran mayhem, the premier almost lost his life when his car was attacked by red-shirted people at the Interior Ministry. Some fear that Thaksin's new battle may repeat history.

It would be no surprise if Thaksin sets off on a "kamikaze" mission and takes the country hostage as he has always done - putting his personal interest before the country's.

-- The Nation 2009/11/23

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[londonthai]

"After using neighbouring country Cambodia to attack Thailand", "Thaksin sets off on a "kamikaze" mission and takes the country hostage as he has always done" - a nice piece of political propaganda, with a pinch of rotten nationalism.

thaksin recently have said, that he has some $100-200k left - wisely invested, he can live off that money for long

Edited November 23, 2009 by londonthai

[animatic]

We always knew this was coming down the pike.

No surprise, just a question of when.

Sad isn't it.

[dr_Pat_Pong]

The megalomaniac is out of control. In his self serving attempt to bring down the Democrats, he may well be twisting his knife into the Kingdom itself.

I wonder how long he can run his private jet on his perpetual travels if 100 to 200 thousand bucks was all he really had.

[basjke]

thaksin recently have said, that he has some $100-200k left - wisely invested, he can live off that money for long

Can you point us to the right investments as to live long time from 7 Million baht.

[londonthai]

I wish to have that money, and they would last me to the end.

I did make a mistake - in an interview to the times he was talking about 100-200 millions. apologies

[Wolfie]

Wow he can retire on $200,000? - Sweet - not long for me to go then!

[Changian]

The Nation really do put the 'anal' into analysis.

During the Songkran mayhem, the premier almost lost his life when his car was attacked by red-shirted people at the Interior Ministry.

So aside from the fact Abhisit wasnt in his car or anywhere near it when it was attacked, how did he almost lose his life? But let's not dwell on the little details when there is an excuse for yet another anti-Thaksin rant in The Nation.

[slapout]

Figures of 600 to 800,000 million dollars as his remaining wealth have been bandied around and if memory serves correctly, he even mentioned a similar number and then at a different time and place said friends were helping him out as he was kind of short. It has been mentioned that he has large deposits in institutions scattered around the world by western groups but whatever the truth is, the sums are more than he declared while he was PM. Just reported property he owns and has purchased in past 2 to 3 years is a sizable sum, but maybe he borrowed from the maid, gardener, ex wife, or the kids. Doubt that he will give truthful disclosure or replies to specific documents concerning any of the mentioned associates/family, holdings, unless questioned by a very talented individual.

[Siripon]

The Nation really do put the 'anal' into analysis.

During the Songkran mayhem, the premier almost lost his life when his car was attacked by red-shirted people at the Interior Ministry.

So aside from the fact Abhisit wasnt in his car or anywhere near it when it was attacked, how did he almost lose his life? But let's not dwell on the little details when there is an excuse for yet another anti-Thaksin rant in The Nation.

He was in the car, and even if he wasn't, the reds thought he was and attacked it like men possessed.

the reds killed the father of the PAD in Chiang Mai by dragging him from his car and beating him to death.

They boast of a car bomb for Apisit on the community radio.

Sorry if exposure of Thaksin's corruption hurts.

[DocHolliday]

The Nation really do put the 'anal' into analysis.

During the Songkran mayhem, the premier almost lost his life when his car was attacked by red-shirted people at the Interior Ministry.

So aside from the fact Abhisit wasnt in his car or anywhere near it when it was attacked, how did he almost lose his life? But let's not dwell on the little details when there is an excuse for yet another anti-Thaksin rant in The Nation.

I am surprised how you give false color about an event which was proven true with enough evidence. Abhisit WAS in the car.

[LuckyLew]

So what happens to the seized assets if he is found guilty?

Another coup is just what Thailand needs, right before

the holiday tourism season, same same as last year?

only difference is color of shirts has changed

[LivinLOS]

thaksin recently have said, that he has some $100-200k left - wisely invested, he can live off that money for long

If thats true.. Hes a spent force (literally)..

He needs the best politicians money can buy.. Promises wont get them to back him.

[LivinLOS]

He was in the car, and even if he wasn't,

Erm.. Ok..

Thai logic ??

the reds killed the father of the PAD in Chiang Mai

And the 'father of the PAD' would be ?? Sondhi ?? Prem ??

[Bagwan]

Where was the police escort when Abhisit's car was attacked? Did they stand there looking like spare tricks at a wedding as per usual? Are they, like all bullies, tainted with cowardice?

[virtualtraveller]

I don't see how a fall in the govt at the 11th hour will derail the court judgement against him, first there wouldn't be enough time for his cronies to regain power through an election or parliamentary vote before the verdict and even if and when they came back to power they wouldn't easily be able to influence the court at this late stage, since all the hearings and evidence gathering has finished.

It's more about timing for an election since the longer the Dem coalition holds out the more the economy will recover and with each desperate attempt to force them out, Thaksin is losing more and more credibility. They've got the momentum going now with the Cambodia crisis and want to create a last ditch attempt at forcing the govt to slip up (perhaps some military bloodshed to quell the riots). Remember these are conniving but not entirely sane or clever people involved (UDD, Puea Thai), just listen to some of their crazy rhetoric and accusations.

If he survives the Asset Seizure, then a PT govt would be able to work on somehow creating a re-trial for Thaksin, but I believe that a marginal decision will rule against him, considering how much havoc he's created for the country. Just imagine what sort of havoc he could create if you gave him back 2 billion US$. Perhaps they hope that behind the scenes they can cut a deal with him, whereby he gets his money back eventually when he's proven he can stay out of politics and fade away.

He can fight on and on, drag the country down as a bargaining tool but frankly I think one man taking on a whole system that has the courts and ethical advantage is just too big a mountain to climb. Ultimately he needs not only to somehow weed his way out of convictions but then face down a very dissatisfied country if justice is ultimately stymied.

What it might come down to his an outright civil confrontation between two halves of the country to the point that everyone loses, and ultimate Thailand has to ask itself do we put an individual or the country first. And I don't think Thaksin really wants to see that far down the line.

[slapout]

Tainted could probably be replaced with the word putrid due to the length of time since the initial symptoms.

[hammered]

Around my town there does seem to be some questioning of the timing of this rally being so close to the King's birthday. I dunno how widespread this is but some red leaders seem quite sensitive to it as well.

[hmficc]

The Nation really do put the 'anal' into analysis.

During the Songkran mayhem, the premier almost lost his life when his car was attacked by red-shirted people at the Interior Ministry.

So aside from the fact Abhisit wasnt in his car or anywhere near it when it was attacked, how did he almost lose his life? But let's not dwell on the little details when there is an excuse for yet another anti-Thaksin rant in The Nation.

He was in the car, and even if he wasn't, the reds thought he was and attacked it like men possessed.

the reds killed the father of the PAD in Chiang Mai by dragging him from his car and beating him to death.

They boast of a car bomb for Apisit on the community radio.

Sorry if exposure of Thaksin's corruption hurts.

Until the vast majority poor have a seat at the table can there be peace. On their terms. One man -one vote. These are the people who serve you every day- food, cleaning, sex. It is why you live here. What kind of person are you? look to your own motives. Taksin is used as straw man to distract from the real suffering of the many.

[Siripon]

He was in the car, and even if he wasn't,

Erm.. Ok..

Thai logic ??

the reds killed the father of the PAD in Chiang Mai

And the 'father of the PAD' would be ?? Sondhi ?? Prem ??

The logic is they thought he was in the car so they tried to kill him. He was, but even if he wasn't it showed their intention.

Not too complicated.

Apologies for my English, the father of the PAD, I meant the father of the leader of the PAD in Chiang Mai. He was brutally

murdered by red thugs.

.

[webfact]

Lets do try to keep this within the realm of topic discussion - "Desperate Thaksin May Go For Broke"

[trd]

As long as the military continues to intervene in politics, Thailand can never join the club of democratic countries. Whether you like Thaksin or not, he was elected by the people in a free election, not once but three times and then deposed in a coup. How can the powers that be adopt such a self righteous attitude while ignoring such a blatant breach of democratic values.

[M555]

We always knew this was coming down the pike.

No surprise, just a question of when.

Sad isn't it.

Would it be okay to start a collection for him?

[neverdie]

thaksin recently have said, that he has some $100-200k left - wisely invested, he can live off that money for long

Can you point us to the right investments as to live long time from 7 Million baht.

If you let me take your money to the Casino for one night I could possible double the investment........or lose it all

Seriously though, the biggest laugh here is the statement that he only has $100-$200k left.....yeah right

[kutjebu]

Thaksin broke,you must be joking.

He's smarter then the whole government together.

[KireB]

Desperate Thaksin may go for broke

By Political Desk

The Nation

It's worrying for the country that a major newspaper spreads this kind of rumour. It just shows how scare some people are of Mr Thaksin.

Thaksin has proven several times to be a dangerous, violent and murderous thug! I think it's quite reasonable that people fear him!

[h90]

I don't see how a fall in the govt at the 11th hour will derail the court judgement against him, first there wouldn't be enough time for his cronies to regain power through an election or parliamentary vote before the verdict and even if and when they came back to power they wouldn't easily be able to influence the court at this late stage, since all the hearings and evidence gathering has finished.

It's more about timing for an election since the longer the Dem coalition holds out the more the economy will recover and with each desperate attempt to force them out, Thaksin is losing more and more credibility. They've got the momentum going now with the Cambodia crisis and want to create a last ditch attempt at forcing the govt to slip up (perhaps some military bloodshed to quell the riots). Remember these are conniving but not entirely sane or clever people involved (UDD, Puea Thai), just listen to some of their crazy rhetoric and accusations.

If he survives the Asset Seizure, then a PT govt would be able to work on somehow creating a re-trial for Thaksin, but I believe that a marginal decision will rule against him, considering how much havoc he's created for the country. Just imagine what sort of havoc he could create if you gave him back 2 billion US$. Perhaps they hope that behind the scenes they can cut a deal with him, whereby he gets his money back eventually when he's proven he can stay out of politics and fade away.

He can fight on and on, drag the country down as a bargaining tool but frankly I think one man taking on a whole system that has the courts and ethical advantage is just too big a mountain to climb. Ultimately he needs not only to somehow weed his way out of convictions but then face down a very dissatisfied country if justice is ultimately stymied.

What it might come down to his an outright civil confrontation between two halves of the country to the point that everyone loses, and ultimate Thailand has to ask itself do we put an individual or the country first. And I don't think Thaksin really wants to see that far down the line.

If he takes power like planned for black Sonkran (coup) it is easy. No election, shoot the judges. Or if the money was already seized, no problem just give it back. Thaksins cronies always speak about a coup of the people. Of the march from Isaan to Bangkok. From Thaksin is entering at the border and will lead the march to BKK etc etc.

[h90]

Thaksin broke,you must be joking.

He's smarter then the whole government together.

and more greedy than the whole government together (which is not easy if you have Newin+Banharns cronies in the government)

[animatic]

As long as the military continues to intervene in politics, Thailand can never join the club of democratic countries. Whether you like Thaksin or not, he was elected by the people in a free election, not once but three times and then deposed in a coup. How can the powers that be adopt such a self righteous attitude while ignoring such a blatant breach of democratic values.

He was elected twice.

The third election was annulled for TRT fraud.

TRT was then disbanded.

He had dissolved the parliament by his own choice,

and when 'deposed' was an unelected, appointed caretaker PM,

and sole person in charge of the government,

while showing clear signs of mental instability.

Also he was elected by the people as an MP and nothing more.

He was then elected by a coalition in parliament as PM.

That's how it works here and that is the facts.

He was not elected in PPP, even though he was it's puppet-master.

All this points to his desperation of course.

It is a failings of his logic and control that caused him

to lose all he coveted so highly, including his pile of cash.

[Samuian]

Red rallying at or around HM Birthday and messing things up as on

Black Songkran their popularity will dwindle much further!

No Parodn for Thaksin, he will not give up, then it will be: Restore my "good Name",

restore my power, restore, reload and the whole will start from notch 1!

He has knowingly messed up, has knowingly pushed this country further and further towards a very dangerous abyss,

why nobody has accused him yet pf treason - I don't understand!

handing "his assets" back to him, or even a pardon, would certainly be like asking for further trouble,

he will go and tell the world: "you see i said it all the time I am a victim of biased courts...."

Nothing worse then this - imagine the onslaught he would start then....

he would sue each and everyone once in his course for Billions, imagine the "bad press" libel suits..

Only one way, the way which has been pursued ... let justice run it's course!

And keep 'em nailing, otherwise this country will never ever get a genuine chance,

it has so many potentials, but way too many people which all just feed a small cliche of self serving elitist class of veteran politicians, making promises!

Just have a look at the Alpine Golf Course Deal, Suvannanbhum, CTX, Firetruck, PTT and EGAT, the Toll Scandal, the Telecom Licenses Mess.... and, and, and, and....got to clean it up...