Thaksin Aide Noppadon Seeks US Role In Thailand

[webfact]

Thaksin aide seeks US role in Thailand - Interview

by Shaun Tandon

WASHINGTON (AFP) -- A close aide to Thailand's ousted former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra is seeking US help to resolve the kingdom's turmoil as he tries to soften the image of the "Red Shirt" protest movement.

Noppadon Pattama, a former foreign minister, is on a mission to Washington that comes as a sharp challenge to Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, who has won US backing for his reconciliation plan and opposes outside mediation.

"We hope that the US administration will be more engaged about the situation in Thailand. They can use diplomatic channels to encourage the government to look at our proposal," Noppadon, a legal adviser to Thaksin, told AFP in an interview Tuesday.

"It doesn't mean they interfere with Thai politics. You can give friendly advice to your friend -- it's just natural," he said.

"US-Thai relations are very important and if your friend is weak or is divided, your friend may not fulfill the potential that it has."

Thaksin, a self-made tycoon turned prime minister, was deposed by the army in 2006. Thaksin lives in self-imposed exile to avoid prison on corruption charges he contends are politically motivated.

Thailand, a longstanding US ally, has since undergone persistent unrest. Red Shirt protesters -- many of them rural Thais who support Thaksin's populist measures -- laid siege to central Bangkok this year in a bid to topple Abhisit.

The army dispersed them in May after negotiations broke down. A series of violent clashes and the final military assault left 90 people dead and nearly 1,900 injured.

In images broadcast around the world, symbols of Thailand's cosmopolitanism went up in flames, including the stock exchange and a major shopping center, parts of which burned to the ground.

Abhisit's government, while saying that many Red Shirts have legitimate grievances, charged that armed and Marxist elements were among the crowds.

Noppadon accused the government of misrepresenting the Red Shirts, saying: "I don't want the United States or the US population to misunderstand that the Red Shirts are terrorists."

"They are just farmers, they are just democracy lovers, they are people who dislike double standards," Noppadon said.

Noppadon declined to specify whom he was meeting in Washington, saying it could lead to repercussions. Diplomats said he would meet with staff members at Congress.

His mission comes two weeks after Abhisit dispatched to Washington a special envoy, Kiat Sittheeamorn, who explained the government's reconciliation plan to President Barack Obama's administration and lawmakers.

In an interview with AFP during his trip, Kiat said that any US mediation in Thailand was unlikely to resolve the political tensions and "might complicate the issue even further."

At the height of the crisis, Thailand summoned the US ambassador to protest after Kurt Campbell, the assistant secretary of state for East Asia, met Red Shirts on a brief visit to Bangkok.

Campbell's deputy, Scot Marciel, said this month that the United States supported Abhisit's reconciliation plan and wanted to work with all sides but that "difficult choices" were ultimately up to Thailand.

Abhisit's reconciliation plan includes respect for the monarchy, greater social equality, an impartial media, an independent probe into the political unrest and debate on the need for constitutional reform.

Abhisit initially also proposed November elections but shelved the plan after demonstrators refused to disperse.

Red Shirt supporters have criticized the reconciliation plan and urged Abhisit to call an election soon, end a state of emergency and guarantee the independence of a committee looking into the violence.

-- (c) Copyright AFP 2010-06-30

[SomTumTiger]

I would say Noppadon is, as usual, pissing in the wind.

[gotlost]

Ain't going happen.

[jackdawson]

the United States supported Abhisit's reconciliation plan

enough said

[Ricardo]

Noppadope appears to believe that he's still a government minister, rather than a lackey for the fire-raiser/terrorist paymaster-in-chief, or combining both roles at once !

[TallForeigner]

Too much useless bla bla in this AFP article. Here a source with more useful information on what Khun Noppadon is saying in the USA:

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-06-30/thaksin-aide-says-failure-to-include-thai-opposition-may-revive-protests.html

[bendejo]

Hey, they can't just go to Washington and buy politicians as if they were pay-for-play girls hanging out in a Pattaya beer bar! What does he think those people are? It's more like an escort service, it has to be done through intermediaries, and everyone involved has their hand out, and the 'red light district' for this sort of thing is called K Street.

I could see where they'd take his $$$ and then not follow through.

The US isn't in such need of Thailand that it'll consider installing a charismatic leader: no more domino theory, no great mineral deposits, no particular need for 'stability in the region.'

Or is TS's father the US?

[taurus88]

Noppadope appears to believe that he's still a government minister, rather than a lackey for the fire-raiser/terrorist paymaster-in-chief, or combining both roles at once !

He is just behaving like any oppositions in any country will do. Nothing wrong with that. The current government is not really a poster boy image anyway.

[FarangCravings]

I decided to take a long look yesterday at all the youtube videos on the protests as its less of an emotional issue now its ended and I have to say that both sides look as bad as each other the Governement definately has some charges to answer all the vidoes of people shot in the head and people being shot in front of journalists it cannot be beleiveable to say the red shirts shot themselves in the head and anyone that sticks to that is simply stupid based on the HUGE amount video evidence.

While there is certainly evidence of black shirt radicals (note i dont use the word terrorist ) there is also a huge amount of evidence against the government you cant push aside all of it there is just TOO MUCH

[Thai at Heart]

It will be very interesting if he actually meets with anyone.

I don't suppose that "staff members" will be opposed to meet with him. It isn't as though the US government is averse to meeting with anyone and it isn't as though as they don't care about coups, constitutions and street riots (from both sides on must add) in countries that are supposedly allies of theirs.

However, I wonder if meeting with Noppadon suggests that they are meeting with a representative of a terrorist organisation. How are the Interpol discussions going on anyway? I wonder if Abhisit would like to petition the US for help in tackling this dastardly terrorist organisation.

[eggomaniac]

I decided to take a long look yesterday at all the youtube videos on the protests as its less of an emotional issue now its ended and I have to say that both sides look as bad as each other the Governement definately has some charges to answer all the vidoes of people shot in the head and people being shot in front of journalists it cannot be beleiveable to say the red shirts shot themselves in the head and anyone that sticks to that is simply stupid based on the HUGE amount video evidence.

While there is certainly evidence of black shirt radicals (note i dont use the word terrorist ) there is also a huge amount of evidence against the government you cant push aside all of it there is just TOO MUCH

Okay, you spoke the truth; just see where that gets you. You'll have red and yellow fanatics honking at you. The fact of the matter, elections, coups, demonstrations, riots; it's ALL about the yellow AND reds trying to get power in Government so they can line their pockets with corruption money. It's only a small per cent of Thais and a large % of TV members who are duped into believing the yellow and red leaders are bannering some great and noble cause.

The real issues for the red and yellow leaders are yachts and private jets, luxury cars and mia nois. They would all be in jail in 'normal' countries.

======================

A poll in Dec 09, that stated 70% of Thais expressed they were NOT red OR yellow supporters, and the most recent polls, will show that MOST Thais agree with your Comments, if that will provide solace when the red and yellow bats start swinging on these boards.

However, Thais are fatalistic in thinking that there is just NO way it is ever going to change. 'no way IMPOSSIBLE" they say.

Edited June 30, 2010 by eggomaniac

[FarangCravings]

I decided to take a long look yesterday at all the youtube videos on the protests as its less of an emotional issue now its ended and I have to say that both sides look as bad as each other the Governement definately has some charges to answer all the vidoes of people shot in the head and people being shot in front of journalists it cannot be beleiveable to say the red shirts shot themselves in the head and anyone that sticks to that is simply stupid based on the HUGE amount video evidence.

While there is certainly evidence of black shirt radicals (note i dont use the word terrorist ) there is also a huge amount of evidence against the government you cant push aside all of it there is just TOO MUCH

Okay, you spoke the truth; just see where that gets you. You'll have red and yellow fanatics honking at you. The fact of the matter, elections, coups, demonstrations, riots; it's ALL about the yellow AND reds trying to get power in Government so they can line their pockets with corruption money. It's only a small per cent of Thais and a large % of TV members who are duped into believing the yellow and red leaders are bannering some great and noble cause.

The real issues for the red and yellow leaders are yachts and private jets, luxury cars and mia nois. They would all be in jail in 'normal' coutries.

Hi it right on the head

AMEN

[landofthefree]

the United States supported Abhisit's reconciliation plan

enough said

I am confused I didnt think Thailand was an American colony, if it isnt what on earth has this got to do with America ?

[cmsally]

I am wondering how the latest International Headline news about Burma building nuclear facilities will affect all this. Both ABC and Al Jaz have had the news/pictures of the Burmese military defector on their headlines.

Seems like it isn't news at all on Thai news.

[rixalex]

While there is certainly evidence of black shirt radicals (note i dont use the word terrorist )

If in your mind the black shirts don't qualify as being terrorists, i wonder who possibly does.

[basjke]

Noppadope appears to believe that he's still a government minister, rather than a lackey for the fire-raiser/terrorist paymaster-in-chief, or combining both roles at once !

He is just behaving like any oppositions in any country will do. Nothing wrong with that. The current government is not really a poster boy image anyway.

Where I come from i never knew that the opposition went to talk with foreign governments.

[Thai at Heart]

Noppadope appears to believe that he's still a government minister, rather than a lackey for the fire-raiser/terrorist paymaster-in-chief, or combining both roles at once !

He is just behaving like any oppositions in any country will do. Nothing wrong with that. The current government is not really a poster boy image anyway.

Where I come from i never knew that the opposition went to talk with foreign governments.

I think more correctly he is "lobbying" not meeting with a foreign government.

[Insight]

Wondering exactly what message Noppadon is trying to send here? It became pretty clear how "reconciliation" with the red shirts would be achieved after they refused to have elections in October.

What they are really after - what everybody now understands - is unacceptable to a very significant number of Thais.

[march]

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-06-30/thaksin-aide-says-failure-to-include-thai-opposition-may-revive-protests.html

Thanks for that, otherwise would have missed this funny bit from the mouthpiece:

While Thaksin is following events in Thailand from exile, Noppadon said the protesters aren’t under the former leader’s control.

"He cannot order the Red Shirts to turn right or left," Noppadon said.

[march]

Noppadope appears to believe that he's still a government minister, rather than a lackey for the fire-raiser/terrorist paymaster-in-chief, or combining both roles at once !

He is just behaving like any oppositions in any country will do. Nothing wrong with that.

EXCEPT, he's not a member of the opposition in this country or any other.

He's a disgraced, banned-from-politics, mouthpiece for a criminal fugitive.

[march]

I decided to take a long look yesterday at all the youtube videos on the protests as its less of an emotional issue now its ended and I have to say that both sides look as bad as each other the Governement definately has some charges to answer all the vidoes of people shot in the head and people being shot in front of journalists it cannot be beleiveable to say the red shirts shot themselves in the head and anyone that sticks to that is simply stupid based on the HUGE amount video evidence.

While there is certainly evidence of black shirt radicals (note i dont use the word terrorist ) there is also a huge amount of evidence against the government you cant push aside all of it there is just TOO MUCH

You should share the "HUGE amount" of your video library of government troops shooting people in the head with the investigating commission, or perhaps even just here. Otherwise, it might be considered

simply stupid

btw, burning 30+ buildings in a crowded metropolitan city is a terrorist act.

[frankman]

Noppadon,

is fllying somewhere with the pigs,

in space,

I guess!

Edited June 30, 2010 by webfact
name corrected //Admin

[rubl]

I decided to take a long look yesterday at all the youtube videos on the protests as its less of an emotional issue now its ended and I have to say that both sides look as bad as each other the Governement definately has some charges to answer all the vidoes of people shot in the head and people being shot in front of journalists it cannot be beleiveable to say the red shirts shot themselves in the head and anyone that sticks to that is simply stupid based on the HUGE amount video evidence.

While there is certainly evidence of black shirt radicals (note i dont use the word terrorist ) there is also a huge amount of evidence against the government you cant push aside all of it there is just TOO MUCH

You should look at those clips in the correct sequence. After the involvement of your "black shirt radicals" things started to get out of hand. The army acting on request of the government may have been a bit more 'reacting' than being able to control. The final cleanup of the red-shirt camp was reasonably restrained as there was no bloodbath for sure. Protesters armed with molotov cocktails, self-made guns, real guns, M79 are a threat and when after warning they're still at it, they may get hurt, hit, killed. The 'turn the other cheek' part doesn't work too well.

The "HUGE amount video evidence" has been interpreted in many different ways, most conflicting with each other. Also many felt more secure filming while with the army, than with the reds. The reds also thought CCTV camera's were anti-red and destroyed a lot of them. I wouldn't call the video clips a fair display of activities, rather a bit tilted in favor of the reds.

Edited June 30, 2010 by rubl

[wayfarer108]

Noppadon is just Thaksin's bag boy. The bargaining chip Thaksin is presenting is a return to the US-Thailand FTA he was going to push through before he was forced to step down. The US wants the FTA of course, and so do Thaksin and his UDD puppets who, despite all their postruing about narrowing the wealth gap, are ready and willing to sell Thai farmers down the road.

Edited June 30, 2010 by wayfarer108

[rabo]

the United States supported Abhisit's reconciliation plan

enough said

I am confused I didnt think Thailand was an American colony, if it isnt what on earth has this got to do with America ?

Sorry, I can't help you with your confusion. But, Thailand is not an American colony. It has to do with foreign relations, and no, America is not going to step in and help out Thaksin's side. They are well aware of the whole story from the start, which is probably why their reaction to the coup was so muted in the first place.

[Siripon]

I expect the Americans remember Thaksin's words when he was PM,' The USA is a useless friend'!

He really is a joke at times.

[cdnvic]

Troll post removed.

[frankman]

I expect the Americans remember Thaksin's words when he was PM,' The USA is a useless friend'!

He really is a joke at times.

All the time, mate!

All the time.

[rreddin]

Ain't going happen.

Uncle Sam is being given a golden opportunity to increase his influence in the country. Thailand is strategicaly and economically important to the US and many Thais still admire that country, its institutions and economic system. I see the US playing a role in order to maintain their influence in a region dominated by the Peoples Republic of China; but, it might not be the one they are being asked to play.

[webfact]

Thaksin’s close aide denies his attempt for US intervention in Thai politics

BANGKOK (TNA) -- The legal adviser of Thailand's fugitive former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra on Wednesday said his visit to the United States is not aimed at seeking US interference in Thailand's internal affairs, but telling the truth about the cause of the anti-government Red Shirt movement.

Noppadon Pattama made his remarks via video link to the opposition Puea Thai Party as he met American academics and media in Washington, D.C., as well as US lawmakers to discuss the recent political turmoil in Thailand.

Mr Noppadon refused, however, to disclose names of US lawmakers and officials with whom he has met, saying only that he went to the American capital to tell the facts of the recent political situation in Thailand and that the Red Shirt protesters and the ousted premier are not 'terrorists' as branded by the Thai government.

"Some people understand the situation in Thailand and know well about the Thai laws in particular the emergency decree (which remains in force)," said Thaksin's close aide. "Although our opinions differ, we share a common idea which is to see national reconciliation happen in Thailand. Every party's candidates should be able to canvass for votes in every area of the country."

Mr Noppadon said that Mr Abhisit's road map for national reconciliation was merely a long-term reform plan which has caused concern among the

Reds as it is not a true national reconciliation plan, but includes shutting down all Red Shirt media outlets including websites and local community

radio stations.

Mr Thaksin's legal adviser also claimed that the US Congress is expected to issue two non-binding resolutions on Thursday in support of resolving Thailand's political impasse through negotiations as well as supporting the objectives of Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva's road map for national

reconciliation.

Mr Noppadon said it should be welcome that the US is paying attention to Thailand's political problems and want to see reconciliation.

However, he stated that Thailand will reconcile if the government shows its sincerity by lifting the state of emergency, free the detained Red Shirts who have been charged with political actions, and not detain anyone without filing charges against them.

Mr Noppadon said the deposed prime minister is now living in a country in Eastern Europe and acknowledges his visit to the US, but the advisor said the ex-premier has not asked him to do any particular favour as this visit is aimed at telling the truth to create better understanding of the Red Shirt cause and that Mr Thaksin is a part of the national reconciliation process.

Mr Noppadon asserted he did not ask the US to interfere in Thailand's internal affairs.

"I didn't come here to attack Thailand," he asserted, "but to create confidence that Thailand has potential and a future more than what we are now if every colour, every part, reconciles."

Mr Noppadon also denied accusation that his visit was coordinated with that of Mr Thaksin's lawyer Robert Amsterdam who recently went to Japan

and commented on Thai politics with local media there.

Mr Noppadon said he planned his trip to the US himself and that any legal case in Thailand is under the consideration of Thai court. He said he did

not seek any help from the US on the matter. (TNA)

-- TNA 2010-06-30