Catching The Thai Houdini Won't Be Easy

[webfact]

EDITORIAL

Catching the Thai Houdini won't be easy

By The Nation

Thaksin will escape the legal net if foreign governments continue to give safe haven and do nothing about his regular acts of political agitation

It will be extremely difficult to apprehend fugitive former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra because he has a plethora of strategists and communications experts to advise him. Every move he makes, every word he says, is normally well scripted. The only time that these cronies have no control over Thaksin is when he is alone and with a mobile phone. He loves to talk and demonstrate that nobody can do anything to him. Above all, he wants to show that he has outwitted everybody. Even his team of professional "twitters" and bloggers have little idea of what he is thinking. They just do their jobs in making sure that Thaksin gets the support and sympathy of the world, especially from young Thai people who don't read anything longer than 40 words at a time.

Obviously, charging Thaksin with terrorism has heightened the awareness of some Western, as well as Asean governments, which are still friendly with him. They perhaps realise that they have to do something now, as he is no longer an ordinary man, let alone innocent as he loves to portray himself. He is a master manipulator on a global scale. Some of these countries are hypocritical because, deep down, they hope that Thaksin will one day return to power in Thailand and give them big investment projects - a favourite Thaksin trademark - with little or no public participation or scrutiny.

In the case of Montenegro, Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya was right in saying that this tiny breakaway state of the former Yugoslavia must now think hard about harbouring Thaksin, especially if it wants to eventually join the European Union. It is sad that the government of this lovely nation has been so irresponsible in defending him and giving him safe haven, and, worst of all, giving him citizenship. It will probably not be hard to prove that Thaksin's new passport is just another commercial transaction. Obviously, with his wealth, he can promise all kinds of investment opportunities to his host. Montenegro's government needs foreign investment to shore up its creditability.

Thaksin has hired a new lawyer, Robert Amsterdam, to fight for and protect him. The lawyer-cum-lobbyist's aggressive strategy will be visible soon. Thaksin is indeed proud that he can pay all the prominent people in any profession to do his dirty work for him. When he was a rank-and-file member of the Phalang Dharma Party in the late 1990s, Thaksin boasted repeatedly that for the right amount of money you could get anyone to work for you. Everybody has a price. Since his ouster in 2006, he has given all sorts of assignments, overtly and covertly, at the national, regional and global levels, to undermine the Thai state and every institution that prevents him from returning to Thailand.

The international community will cooperate with Thailand if the government and legal system can show that it is accountable and transparent. This is not a military government, as claimed in certain quarters. Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva must turn his words into action and show that he follows international norms and standards in maintaining the rule of law and order. Only concrete results will mitigate Thaksin's global public relations machine and put an end to his selfish scheming and political agitation from abroad. Foreign governments that harbour him must realise that they are also playing a role in destabilising another country.

We cannot let him use his unlimited wealth and money-grubbing "experts" to destroy Thailand. But to do that, we have to get our own act together.

-- The Nation 2010-06-05

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[Nowhereman60]

Whoever wrote this article is an idiot. The western world is laughing at Thailand. They know it is all political motivated, and that Thailand is a failed state.

[hearditallbefore]

Whoever wrote this article is an idiot. The western world is laughing at Thailand. They know it is all political motivated, and that Thailand is a failed state.

I agree 10000%

[SomTumTiger]

Thaksin's PR team is moving fast on TV these days. Failed state - more like poster "Failed mental state"

[mazeltov]

failed state? yes.

with this government thailand has become a failed state.

[apex2000]

"especially from young Thai people who don't read anything longer than 40 words at a time."

This says a lot for the so-called education that the elite offer to the young of Thailand.

I have worked in the system for over 17 years now and it is dreadful.

Example: One of my ex-students has just begun studying dentistry at a small college.

One of her tutors demands food and gifts from the students or he refuses to teach.

How are the young of this country going to get an education in a system that allows this type of behaviour from the teaching staff?

This country will never fully develop, it will only become further retarded, while governments such as the present one rule the roost.

Nice to see so many comments disagreeing with the post from the crazy Nation.

[shawndoc]

Example: One of my ex-students has just begun studying dentistry at a small college.

One of her tutors demands food and gifts from the students or he refuses to teach.

How are the young of this country going to get an education in a system that allows this type of behaviour from the teaching staff?

At least he actually teaches. At most of the major universities here in California, once a professor gets tenure, you can pretty much forget about them teaching another class again. They simply turn over the entire class to a TA, who likely has only spoken English for a few years. If you're lucky the professor will actually come to class 3 or 4 times to supervise the TA.

[neverdie]

Whoever wrote this article is an idiot. The western world is laughing at Thailand. They know it is all political motivated, and that Thailand is a failed state.

I agree 10000%

Well, while the person you are quoting & agreeing with is busy branding people as 'idiots', do you realise that there is no such thing as 10000%. The maximum you can have is actually 100% of anything.

[neverdie]

Thaksin's PR team is moving fast on TV these days. Failed state - more like poster "Failed mental state"

Agreed. 100%

[charlesfrith]

Thai Visa forum was notable for it's lack of criticism of Thaksin when he was in power. The editors edited and the contributors self edited. Let's be frank. This is not the sort of voice(s) worth paying attention to. Pack mentality is ugly irrespective of post rationalised valididty.

In the case of Montenegro, Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya was right in saying that this tiny breakaway state of the former Yugoslavia must now think hard about harbouring Thaksin, especially if it wants to eventually join the European Union

I could not stop laughing, what a gem.

Didn't know that thailand was a member of the EU. Thank you.

I bet that those large haired ass people of "this tiny breakaway state of the former Yugoslavia " are trembling with fear now after being lectured and reprimanded by one of the world's prominent leaders the great Kasit Piromya.

They got an F from Ajarn Kasit.

@cyberia

Why you could not stop laughing? I don't understand your point. Yes, Montenegro wants to become a part of the EU. Yes, they have to be careful in what they do with some dubious residents if they want to join. There is absolutely nothing wrong with this text.

Do your homework pls.

[shrekroma]

So Thaksin is A super rich ?

The whole article doesnt base on a single tiny piece of logic. Just another pure trash from The Nation.

[Bakseedaa]

Whoever wrote this article is an idiot. The western world is laughing at Thailand. They know it is all political motivated, and that Thailand is a failed state.

Can you give some evidence to back up your statement...Thailand has and continues to receive Huge investments from overseas investors... this does not and would not happen in "a failed state' exactly the opposite, the world views Thailand as a powerhouse of Asia with a very strong and honest government. Why do you think the economy is still growing and the Thai baht is so strong.. Khwai everywhere..

[shrekroma]

the world views Thailand as a powerhouse of Asia with a very strong and honest government. Why do you think the economy is still growing and the Thai baht is so strong.. Khwai everywhere..

Yea, Khwai everywhere.

[cpofc]

failed state? and my Australian dollar is still going south against the baht. I hope the place doesn't collapse entirely.

(Then again the way things are shaping up back home we may just be following suit).

then there's Japan, Greece, UK - take your pick really?

The whole bloody planet is a failure when you really get down to it.

where the hel_l is the bloody prozac?

[jonclark]

Whoever wrote this article is an idiot. The western world is laughing at Thailand. They know it is all political motivated, and that Thailand is a failed state.

Just how is Thailand a failed state?

There is food in the shops, good transport infrastructure, medical care available to everyone, an education system in place, water and electricity flow with no major problems, it is safe to walk the street. taxes are collected, the police force works (just) foreign companies can invest here, the stock market works, elections, both national and local are held within prescribed time frames.

So what is failed about Thailand. Thailand has problems, but so does every country in the world - Think of the US heath care system for example.

I think your statement about the western world 'laughing' at Thailand is extremely cynical. I think the western word is concerned with recent events and the loss of life. Foreigners and western governments take no pleasure in seeing conflict and death on the streets of Thailand. When Hilary Clinton steps up at a press conference and says " Thailand... Yeah its f*cking hilarious, Barrack and I have been pissing ourselves laughing, watching the events on CNN" Then I'll believe the western world is laughing at Thailand.

Finally we get to political motivation - All politicians and actions thereof are politically motivated.

[ianf]

Whoever wrote this article is an idiot. The western world is laughing at Thailand. They know it is all political motivated, and that Thailand is a failed state.

I agree 10000%

I disagree 10000000%

[Arjay]

Whoever wrote this article is an idiot. The western world is laughing at Thailand. They know it is all political motivated, and that Thailand is a failed state.

I cant rent out my house cant sell it either. I cant pay the maid or the gardner now too! Thanks Mr. Thaksin for all you've done!

[anotheruser]

houdini?

[anotheruser]

Whoever wrote this article is an idiot. The western world is laughing at Thailand. They know it is all political motivated, and that Thailand is a failed state.

Just how is Thailand a failed state?

There is food in the shops, good transport infrastructure, medical care available to everyone, an education system in place, water and electricity flow with no major problems, it is safe to walk the street. taxes are collected, the police force works (just) foreign companies can invest here, the stock market works, elections, both national and local are held within prescribed time frames.t

So what is failed about Thailand. Thailand has problems, but so does every country in the world - Think of the US heath care system for example.

I think your statement about the western world 'laughing' at Thailand is extremely cynical. I think the western word is concerned with recent events and the loss of life. Foreigners and western governments take no pleasure in seeing conflict and death on the streets of Thailand. When Hilary Clinton steps up at a press conference and says " Thailand... Yeah its f*cking hilarious, Barrack and I have been pissing ourselves laughing, watching the events on CNN" Then I'll believe the western world is laughing at Thailand.

Finally we get to political motivation - All politicians and actions thereof are politically motivated.

Thailand certainly does not produce or have electricity.

[jonclark]

Whoever wrote this article is an idiot. The western world is laughing at Thailand. They know it is all political motivated, and that Thailand is a failed state.

Just how is Thailand a failed state?

There is food in the shops, good transport infrastructure, medical care available to everyone, an education system in place, water and electricity flow with no major problems, it is safe to walk the street. taxes are collected, the police force works (just) foreign companies can invest here, the stock market works, elections, both national and local are held within prescribed time frames.t

So what is failed about Thailand. Thailand has problems, but so does every country in the world - Think of the US heath care system for example.

I think your statement about the western world 'laughing' at Thailand is extremely cynical. I think the western word is concerned with recent events and the loss of life. Foreigners and western governments take no pleasure in seeing conflict and death on the streets of Thailand. When Hilary Clinton steps up at a press conference and says " Thailand... Yeah its f*cking hilarious, Barrack and I have been pissing ourselves laughing, watching the events on CNN" Then I'll believe the western world is laughing at Thailand.

Finally we get to political motivation - All politicians and actions thereof are politically motivated.

Thailand certainly does not produce or have electricity.

100%

[Arjay]

RED SHIRTS

DSI seeks 18 more arrest warrants

By The Nation

Published on June 5, 2010

Authorities on lookout for hardliners; emergency law not to be lifted just yet

Ads by Google

Teach English in BangkokTake the TESOL/TEFL course to teach in Bangkok. Paid job guaranteed!www.chichester.ac.th

Condo : The Coast Bangkokใกล้ ไบเทค BTS บางนา ทางขึ้นทางด่วน YourLifestyle เริ่มต้น 2.09 ล้านบาทCoastBangkok.com/Call.0.2745.4444

Thailand Visa ServicesUS, UK, Australia, Schengen and Thai Visas. Proven Success Rate.www.siam-legal.com/Visa-Services

The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) will seek arrest warrants for 18 more people involved in the recent political clashes, including a man suspected of shooting dead an Army colonel who was leading the operations on April 10.

DSI director-general Tharit Pengdit said that though arrest warrants have already been issued for many red-shirt leaders and hardliners, there are still more provincial leaders of the movement and members of its armed group in Bangkok who are wanted by the authorities.

A DSI source said these 18 people would be the fourth batch of red-shirt figures facing arrest. The latest group includes a man suspected of killing Colonel Romklao Thuwatham, who was leading a crowd-dispersal operation at Bangkok's Khok Wua intersection on April 10, the source said.

Meanwhile, Metropolitan Police deputy commissioner Maj Gen Sumet Ruangsawat, who is leading a police investigation team looking into the April 10 incident, said yesterday that the investigators had identified all the suspects. However, he declined to disclose further details for fear the probe would be affected.

Sumet said on Monday, his team would provide information to the DSI about their findings. He said that once it was armed with sufficient evidence, the DSI would seek arrest warrants for all the armed men in black who took part in the April 10 riots.

He added that police were also studying security-camera footage showing people trying to set fire to CentralWorld, in order to determine the identities.

In a related development, the Centre for the Resolution of the Emergency Situation yesterday resolved to continue with the state of emergency in Bangkok and 23 other provinces.

Metropolitan Police spokesman Maj-General Piya Uthayo told a press conference that the emergency decree was required to facilitate the authorities' operation in areas where the red-shirt movement remained active.

He said community radio stations in certain areas were still spreading distorted facts in a bid to incite hatred. The spokesman said the state of emergency should not affect the everyday life of the general public.

The spokesman said National Police chief General Patheep Tanprasert would hold a press conference on Monday to present details of arrests and the condition of protest leaders being detained at six different locations.

Meanwhile, polling stations set up for tomorrow's district councillors' election in 14 of Bangkok's districts will be protected by a joint force of soldiers and police, Piya said.

In a related development, red-shirt leaders Natthawut Saikua and Jatuporn Promphan showed up at the Criminal Court yesterday to testify in a trial under which they, as well as fugitive red-shirt leader Jakrapob Penkair, are being accused of telephone tapping or disclosing a message obtained through tapping.

In June 2007, during a red-shirt rally at Sanam Luang, the three defendants played an audio recording of a telephone conversation between former PM's Office permanent secretary Peerapan Prempooti and former Supreme Court secretary Virat Chinwinitkul.

The court has suspended the trial against Jakrapob, who has been at large since last April.

Natthawut, who is being detained at a Border Patrol Police camp in Phetchaburi, was brought to Bangkok in a helicopter for his hearing in court.

The court has granted Natthawut and Jatuporn's request that the trial be conducted in their absence, because they may not be able to attend all hearings. However, they have promised to show up at court unless they were busy elsewhere.

We have nothing to fear the "watermelon" police will aprehend them all!

[SoMeOnEnUlL]

Does the Nation hire their journalist base on the English writing skills?

[mca]

Does the Nation hire their journalist base on the English writing skills?

You ought to apply.

[anotheruser]

Solely relying on the Nation is beginning to hurt TV in many ways.

Edited June 5, 2010 by anotheruser

[Samuian]

Good article!

The funny thing is, the more he invests' in his "innocence", the less likely he will get it back!

There is a lesson there, somewhere!

Thaksin's PR team is moving fast on TV these days. Failed state - more like poster "Failed mental state"

Response time is incredible - yep, agreed - the response itself very Taxinista like - ah' well they get paid for it - wonder what the bill for all this is... and who would be stupid enough to do this for money....

[chantorn]

Just send in the sniper that shoot Seh Daeng.

Job done. Problem solved.

[chantorn]

Solely relying on the Nation is beginning to hurt TV in many ways.

Go read BP if you wish.

I don't see any differences.

The best is still Thai Media, especially the govt one. My vote goes for NBT & CRES. Nothing bu "the the truth (today)".

[BIGTOE3]

Just send in the sniper that shoot Seh Daeng.

Job done. Problem solved.

With the Paymaster shot, WHO would pay the SNIPER ? - Just a thought about who shot Seh Daeng, who might have known too much.......

BT

[Robroy]

Now Thaksin is getting a small taste of the fate he visited on others: human rights lawyers who disappeared forever, "drug dealers" who received a bullet in the back of the head in the middle of the night, and Muslim protestors in the south jammed into trucks and suffocated.

Yes, the main was appalling, and must never be allowed to involve himself in Thai politics again.

But the grievances on which he rode to power are real.

And until The Nation & the Thai elite in general give some ground on this - and make Thailand a fairer place - there will always be a revolt brewing, and demogogues prepared to take political advantage of it.

[Pacificperson]

Thailand has made tremendous progress over the past twenty years. When I first came to this side of the Pacific 20 years ago, Thailand and the Philippines were at a similar stage of development. Bangkok is now a far more civilized place to visit than Manila. In Bangkok, you walk into a McDonalds, while in Manila, an armed guard opens the door for you.