Thaksin - From Russia With Love

[webfact]

Thaksin - from Russia with love

By THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- Thaksin Shinawatra yesterday said in a phone-in to his supporters that he had landed in Russia to engage a Russian businessman in connection with an investment in Thailand.

The fugitive ex-prime minister's whereabouts were in the spotlight again during the course of the day, with Vice Foreign Minister Panich Vikitsreth saying he had left Sweden for an unknown destination.

Thaksin, who is avoiding a Thai jail sentence for corruption, entered Sweden on Sunday using a passport of a third country, according to Panich, who did not specify the passport-issuing country.

Thaksin recently obtained a Montenegro passport and is believed also to carry the passports of several other countries.

A Democrat source meanwhile claimed that Thaksin was requesting shelter in Brunei.

Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban was quoted as telling a Democrat meeting that Thaksin's request had been discussed during Prime Minister Ahbisit Vejjajiva's official visit to Brunei on Monday.

"Brunei's response to Thaksin's request clearly shows that the country is in favour of the Thai government," Suthep said.

Panich yesterday said the Foreign Ministry had obtained an assurance from the Swedish authorities that the Scandinavian country would adhere to its principle of not allowing any individuals to use it as a base for political activities against its allies.

Suthep said earlier yesterday that Thaksin's frequent speeches beamed from overseas to the red shirts' protest site had had a strong impact on the rally and the stalled talks between the government and the protest leaders.

He said the authorities had been unable to locate Thaksin, as he was constantly moving from place to place.

Meanwhile, the Department of Special Investigation is to investigate whether Panthongtae and Pinthongta Shinawatra have withdrawn almost Bt1 billion from their frozen bank accounts in defiance of the law.

Tharid Phengdit, director-general of the department, said he had received a letter from the Revenue Department claiming the two children of Thaksin had taken the money from the frozen accounts.

The Revenue Department wants to know whether the withdrawal is legal.

Tharid said that by Friday the DSI investigation should have been completed and the answer should then be known.

The Supreme Court, in its February 26 ruling, ordered the seizure of Bt46 billion of Thaksin and his family's Bt76 billion, the total amount of which had been frozen in local bank accounts.

But the Finance Ministry has followed up by asking for a continuation of a freeze on Bt13 billion, pending an outcome of a tax dispute between the Revenue Department and Panthongtae and Pinthongta over their Shin Corp share transactions involving Ample Rich Investment.

Finance Minister Korn Chatikavanij said on Sunday the two children of the Shinawatras had withdrawn almost Bt1 billion without prior authorisation from government authorities.

Tharid said the DSI had already set up a panel to see whether the withdrawal of the money was in violation of the securities law and tax codes.

He added that the DSI was in the process of gathering further evidence to decide whether it would reopen the SC Asset case against Thaksin for alleged asset concealment.

The Comptroller-General's Department will in a few days direct up to six commercial banks to transfer Bt46 billion in about 30 accounts of Thaksin and his family to the treasury.

Director-general Pongpanu Savetarun said yesterday the transfers could be completed without having to wait for the outcome of the Shianwatras' appeals to the Supreme Court.

-- The Nation 2010-03-31

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[Theo007]

Truly amazing! I received an e-mail this morning, complete with pictures, about a school in Surin desperately in need of assistance. They are begging for any donation, however small. All this money being wasted in Bangkok on a daily basis when so much good could be done.

If anyone is interested in helping this school please send me a private message and I shall forward the e-mail., many thanks!

[Ricardo]

Hope DL tasks one of his minions, with keeping an eye on his briefcase, this visit !

[phuketrichard]

"Meanwhile, the Department of Special Investigation is to investigate whether Panthongtae and Pinthongta Shinawatra have withdrawn almost Bt1 billion from their frozen bank accounts in defiance of the law.

Tharid Phengdit, director-general of the department, said he had received a letter from the Revenue Department claiming the two children of Thaksin had taken the money from the frozen accounts.

The Revenue Department wants to know whether the withdrawal is legal."

How does ione withdraw money from a FORZEN account?

I always was led to believe a FROZEN accoun is just that FROZEN and no money can be withdrawn>>

[bushwacker]

I know it is very hot in Thailand ...... but you would think that the government would understand the basic mechanics of FREEZING ASSETS OR ACCOUNTS. How can a person take money out of a frozen account. In most countries the bank would never allow the money to be taken out because they would legally have to replace it. MAKES A PERSON WONDER!!!!

[phuketrichard]

"Meanwhile, the Department of Special Investigation is to investigate whether Panthongtae and Pinthongta Shinawatra have withdrawn almost Bt1 billion from their frozen bank accounts in defiance of the law.

Tharid Phengdit, director-general of the department, said he had received a letter from the Revenue Department claiming the two children of Thaksin had taken the money from the frozen accounts.

The Revenue Department wants to know whether the withdrawal is legal."

How does ione withdraw money from a FORZEN account?

I always was led to believe a FROZEN accoun is just that FROZEN and no money can be withdrawn>>

[givenall]

Is he gone mad? Does he still think he is Thailand PM. Can someone please phone in ad tell him, wake up and smell the Vodka

[slapout]

For a man who has had to notice a billion + evaporate from his pocket, about 900,000 people miss the party in Bangkok, several family and ex family members get slapped financially quite severely, and he reportedly is attempting to engage a Russian in investing in Thailand.

I would see about as much of this as of a hypothetical proposal of Japan proposing a Russian/Japan joint venture in the middle of August, 1945.

This may be one of those few times in history where its best to kill the messenger, when they bring news/proposals.

[SurinLA]

Taksin knows there are many Russian Mafias in Thailand, specially Pattaya where it is one of the largest redshirts supporters come from. This maybe a new business called "Terrorism" instead of Tourism.

[givenall]

Taksin knows there are many Russian Mafias in Thailand, specially Pattaya where it is one of the largest redshirts supporters come from. This maybe a new business called "Terrorism" instead of Tourism.

It does not really matter if you are know by mafia or associated with them; they are there for their packet only and have no loyalties to anyone except themselves. The mafia does more than Thaksin’s worth business in Thailand

Do you think they will work with a man who is washed out?

[SurinLA]

Taksin knows there are many Russian Mafias in Thailand, specially Pattaya where it is one of the largest redshirts supporters come from. This maybe a new business called "Terrorism" instead of Tourism.

It does not really matter if you are know by mafia or associated with them; they are there for their packet only and have no loyalties to anyone except themselves. The mafia does more than Thaksin's worth business in Thailand

Do you think they will work with a man who is washed out?

There are plenty of his money hidden in the Carribean. I believe $100 - $200 million dollars are a lot of money.

Or he can sell his island in Montenegro for a fee.

[quiksilva]

According to the Nation, there is also the small matter of some debts to Gazprom for him to settle...

From Russia with love to a financial debacle

By Thanong Khanthong

The Nation

Published on January 15, 2010

It now emerges that Thaksin indeed is facing financial difficulties. He has borrowed money from Gazprombank, a subsidiary of Russian energy giant Gazprom, and is now having a tough time servicing the debt.

The amount of the loan he took from Gazprombank is not known, but it could be to the tune of US$1.5 billion.

Thaksin used this money to invest in Dubai. As we all know, Dubai is facing a financial meltdown. Dubai World, the state-owned corporation, is seeking a delay of payment in its debt, which amounts to $59 billion. Thaksin is facing huge losses after his foray into the Dubai market.

The Russian state owns about 50 per cent of Gazprom, a global energy company that focuses on geological exploration, production, transportation, storage, processing and marketing of gas and other hydrocarbons, as well as electric power and heat energy production and distribution. Gazprom is Russia's equivalent of Thailand's PTT Plc, but bigger.

Edited March 31, 2010 by quiksilva

[moresomekl]

<br />I know it is very hot in Thailand ...... but you would think that the government would understand the basic mechanics of FREEZING ASSETS OR ACCOUNTS. How can a person take money out of a frozen account. In most countries the bank would never allow the money to be taken out because they would legally have to replace it. MAKES A PERSON WONDER!!!! <img src="http://static.thaivisa.com/forum/style_emoticons/default/huh.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid="" border="0" alt="huh.gif" /><br />

<br /><br /><br />

Wait for the nquiry .... it could be from the non frozen part of his assets

[ding]

Taksin knows there are many Russian Mafias in Thailand, specially Pattaya where it is one of the largest redshirts supporters come from. This maybe a new business called "Terrorism" instead of Tourism.

It does not really matter if you are know by mafia or associated with them; they are there for their packet only and have no loyalties to anyone except themselves. The mafia does more than Thaksin’s worth business in Thailand

Do you think they will work with a man who is washed out?

No, I think they work for whoever pays.

And another thing; You can't withdraw from a frozen account. Reverse the transaction -done!

Edited March 31, 2010 by ding

[TAWP]

"Meanwhile, the Department of Special Investigation is to investigate whether Panthongtae and Pinthongta Shinawatra have withdrawn almost Bt1 billion from their frozen bank accounts in defiance of the law.

Tharid Phengdit, director-general of the department, said he had received a letter from the Revenue Department claiming the two children of Thaksin had taken the money from the frozen accounts.

The Revenue Department wants to know whether the withdrawal is legal."

How does ione withdraw money from a FORZEN account?

I always was led to believe a FROZEN accoun is just that FROZEN and no money can be withdrawn>>

You can if you know the people that run the bank...

[anotherpeter]

There is also the small matter of some debts to Gazprom for him to settle...

<snipped article>

More reason for him to be back here and in control. So Thailand can pay back his debts.

[moresomekl]

<br />For a man who has had to notice a billion + evaporate from his pocket, about 900,000 people miss the party in Bangkok, several family and ex family members get slapped financially quite severely, and he reportedly is attempting to engage a Russian in investing in Thailand.<br /> I would see about as much of this as of a hypothetical proposal of Japan proposing a Russian/Japan joint venture in the middle of August, 1945.<br />This may be one of those few times in history where its best to kill the messenger, when they bring news/proposals.<br /><br />

<br /><br /><br />

Actually they did it up until the 9th August 1945 when Russia invaded Manchuria .

Well I suggest mandatory Hara-Kiri for anyone in THailand into political corruption. Would make for a much lighter version of todays parliament

[quiksilva]

There is also the small matter of some debts to Gazprom for him to settle...

<snipped article>

More reason for him to be back here and in control. So Thailand can pay back his debts.

Perhaps he needs some help to get their money back, or just begging for an extension.

edit Just found an interesting piece by Bangkok Pundit on that article actually, which questions the legitimacy of the original story.

Edited March 31, 2010 by quiksilva

[animatic]

According to the Nation, there is also the small matter of some debts to Gazprom for him to settle...

From Russia with love to a financial debacle

By Thanong Khanthong

The Nation

Published on January 15, 2010

It now emerges that Thaksin indeed is facing financial difficulties. He has borrowed money from Gazprombank, a subsidiary of Russian energy giant Gazprom, and is now having a tough time servicing the debt.

The amount of the loan he took from Gazprombank is not known, but it could be to the tune of US$1.5 billion.

Thaksin used this money to invest in Dubai. As we all know, Dubai is facing a financial meltdown. Dubai World, the state-owned corporation, is seeking a delay of payment in its debt, which amounts to $59 billion. Thaksin is facing huge losses after his foray into the Dubai market.

The Russian state owns about 50 per cent of Gazprom, a global energy company that focuses on geological exploration, production, transportation, storage, processing and marketing of gas and other hydrocarbons, as well as electric power and heat energy production and distribution. Gazprom is Russia's equivalent of Thailand's PTT Plc, but bigger.

Yes this all crossed my mind earlier.

Gone to pay some debts and some lip service too?

He never said NEW investments in Thailand, it could just be

debt servicing to some big boys who don't mess around.

[ovaltina]

Rather tactless & in poor taste, to travel to a city on the very day it is in mourning over a tragic double bombing the day before, when you yourself are the advocate, funder & protagonist of bombings against civilians in an armed insurgency in your home nation.

Tact & humilty & respect were never his strong points though.

[jonclark]

According to the Nation, there is also the small matter of some debts to Gazprom for him to settle...

From Russia with love to a financial debacle

By Thanong Khanthong

The Nation

Published on January 15, 2010

It now emerges that Thaksin indeed is facing financial difficulties. He has borrowed money from Gazprombank, a subsidiary of Russian energy giant Gazprom, and is now having a tough time servicing the debt.

The amount of the loan he took from Gazprombank is not known, but it could be to the tune of US$1.5 billion.

Thaksin used this money to invest in Dubai. As we all know, Dubai is facing a financial meltdown. Dubai World, the state-owned corporation, is seeking a delay of payment in its debt, which amounts to $59 billion. Thaksin is facing huge losses after his foray into the Dubai market.

The Russian state owns about 50 per cent of Gazprom, a global energy company that focuses on geological exploration, production, transportation, storage, processing and marketing of gas and other hydrocarbons, as well as electric power and heat energy production and distribution. Gazprom is Russia's equivalent of Thailand's PTT Plc, but bigger.

Yes this all crossed my mind earlier.

Gone to pay some debts and some lip service too?

He never said NEW investments in Thailand, it could just be

debt servicing to some big boys who don't mess around.

It strikes me that if you join all the dots with Taksin, Gazprom and Cambodia, You end up with a simple conclusion - Taksin gets cozy with Gazprom (finacially - 1.5 billion dollar loan / backhander) on the proviso that on his return he can influence government officials - both here and in Cambodia - that will allow Gazprom to exploit the gas / oil reserves in the Gulf of Thailand.

And that may explain why the Government backed out of the MoU with Cambodia, they knew more than we do, thus scuppering Taksin plans and leading to him to pay back debts, with money currently frozen...the result Reds on the street in a final desperate act.

Obviously this is pure speculation.

But if true taksin may well be on a very sticky wicket.

[lannarebirth]

According to the Nation, there is also the small matter of some debts to Gazprom for him to settle...

From Russia with love to a financial debacle

By Thanong Khanthong

The Nation

Published on January 15, 2010

It now emerges that Thaksin indeed is facing financial difficulties. He has borrowed money from Gazprombank, a subsidiary of Russian energy giant Gazprom, and is now having a tough time servicing the debt.

The amount of the loan he took from Gazprombank is not known, but it could be to the tune of US$1.5 billion.

Thaksin used this money to invest in Dubai. As we all know, Dubai is facing a financial meltdown. Dubai World, the state-owned corporation, is seeking a delay of payment in its debt, which amounts to $59 billion. Thaksin is facing huge losses after his foray into the Dubai market.

The Russian state owns about 50 per cent of Gazprom, a global energy company that focuses on geological exploration, production, transportation, storage, processing and marketing of gas and other hydrocarbons, as well as electric power and heat energy production and distribution. Gazprom is Russia's equivalent of Thailand's PTT Plc, but bigger.

Yes this all crossed my mind earlier.

Gone to pay some debts and some lip service too?

He never said NEW investments in Thailand, it could just be

debt servicing to some big boys who don't mess around.

It strikes me that if you join all the dots with Taksin, Gazprom and Cambodia, You end up with a simple conclusion - Taksin gets cozy with Gazprom (finacially - 1.5 billion dollar loan / backhander) on the proviso that on his return he can influence government officials - both here and in Cambodia - that will allow Gazprom to exploit the gas / oil reserves in the Gulf of Thailand.

And that may explain why the Government backed out of the MoU with Cambodia, they knew more than we do, thus scuppering Taksin plans and leading to him to pay back debts, with money currently frozen...the result Reds on the street in a final desperate act.

Obviously this is pure speculation.

But if true taksin may well be on a very sticky wicket.

The stuff that ends up in one's Inbox:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/khmerintelligence/message/722

I have no idea if these are credible assertions, but it's out there.

[Thai at Heart]

[

The stuff that ends up in one's Inbox:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/khmerintelligence/message/722

I have no idea if these are credible assertions, but it's out there.

All very possible but as yet, hearsay. I mean why would such a small place such as Phraer Vihar become so important. But then the UK lost lives over the Falklands, and lo and behold they are looking for oil down there too.

[oceano]

Taksin knows there are many Russian Mafias in Thailand, specially Pattaya where it is one of the largest redshirts supporters come from. This maybe a new business called "Terrorism" instead of Tourism.

Can you show an evidence of that?

One single report, one single article or related about that?

Tez tour is the biggest russian tour operator in the world, they start to work in Thailand 3 yrs ago...from that date everibody see a lot of russian end start the story about russian mafia.

If you go in south pattaya soi 18 19 and around what do you say? the islamic jihad is in pattaya?

or just 3-4 ugly russian lady walk around for you mean russian mafia is here?

[jonclark]

[

The stuff that ends up in one's Inbox:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/khmerintelligence/message/722

I have no idea if these are credible assertions, but it's out there.

Maybe i should changes jobs and become a psyschic (if only i coud spell it)

[thaihome]

Thailand pretty much runs on natural gas these days. The gas reserves in disputed area will be needed in about 20 years as the ones directly under Thai control in the Gulf run out.

It is well known by people in the business that Phraer Vihar is a smoke screen for the real issue. The problem with article listed is the MOU was signed in 2001, not 2006.

TH

[Publicus]

That's an excellent link to consider lannarebirth, thanks.

Gazprom, Thaksin, Cambodia, Dubai, Bahrain etc etc......oh, excuse me, just connecting some dots.

[jonclark]

That's an excellent link to consider lannarebirth, thanks.

Gazprom, Thaksin, Cambodia, Dubai, Bahrain etc etc......oh, excuse me, just connecting some dots.

Real James Bond stuff... Does Taksin have a white cat by any chance??

[easybullet3]

so, the bank is also "in on the corruption" too!!!

if an account is frozen, then its locked!!!

the very fact that money can be withdrawn shows illegal activity by the bank!!

so now everyone can see how corrupt the bank is too!! (probably paid a few people a lot of money to release the funds).

[Publicus]

That's an excellent link to consider lannarebirth, thanks.

Gazprom, Thaksin, Cambodia, Dubai, Bahrain etc etc......oh, excuse me, just connecting some dots.

Real James Bond stuff... Does Taksin have a white cat by any chance??

You have quite the imagination . I'd suggest you not let it run too much farther however.

Lemme know what Wiki might have to say about Thaksin and cats. I know Deng Xiao Peng famously said of his communist critics of market economics, "It doesn't matter if the cat is black or white, as long as it catches mice."

So as you're so curious, let us know if Thaksin has a cat and what philosophical statements Thaksin might have to say about cats and Thai sociopolitics....on second thought..........stop trying to waste my time.