EU Concerned About Thai Freedoms, Political Prisoners: Noppodon

[webfact]

EU 'concerned about Thai freedoms, political prisoners': Noppodon

By The Nation

Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's legal adviser Noppadon Pattama has met with officials from the European Union in a further bid to boost the red shirts' image in the international arena.

BANGKOK: -- Former foreign minister Noppadon claimed yesterday his visits to the United States and Belgium had successfully drawn the attention of foreign governments to the need to hold peace talks in Thailand.

Noppadon denied he had lobbied against the government's reconciliation plan, as the Democrat Party claimed, while meeting senior officials in both countries.

"I met both officials and executives of both the US Congress and the Senate," Noppadon said.

"It was not true that I met only clerks, like the government claimed."

He said he also met US academics and representatives of key international organisations, and gave interviews to foreign reporters.

He then flew to Brussels, the Belgian capital, to meet executives of the Office of the European Union and EU human rights officials.

Noppadon said he received a warm welcome from EU officials and that they expressed concern about people's freedoms and were keen for the Thai government to lift the state of emergency and release "political prisoners".

Noppadon said EU officials understood the government used excessive violence in deploying troops to crack down on the people, he said.

"Both the US and EU want Thailand to hold peace talks between both sides. They don't want to interfere in our country's affairs but they want to see peace talks take place," Noppadon said.

"My trip was not a waste, as I got a chance to report about the situation in Thailand and highlight the proposal for peace talks."

Noppadon claimed the US Congress resolution showed the United States wanted to see the Thai government hold talks with its opponents.

"I was not there to oppose the resolution but I was there to create confidence in Thailand. I supported the resolution on reconciliation but I proposed that we should hold peace talks [also]. What I did was an attempt to help our country," he insisted.

Noppadon denied that Thaksin had hired three lobbyists to harm the Kingdom. He said Thaksin hired the firms to "coordinate facts and information", not to damage Thailand's image.

He added that the hiring of the US firms was reported to Congress as required for transparency.

He said he would reveal tomorrow details showing the government also used taxpayers' money to hire US lobbyists.

Noppadon claimed he paid for the trip with his own money while the government used taxpayer funds to send Thai Trade Representative Kiart Sitthi-amron to the US.

-- The Nation 2010-07-05

[plachon]

And where does Noppadon's "own money" come from, if not his employer, and on-the-run convicted criminal wanted on terrorism charges and a host of other charges related to fraud, corruption and embezzlement of tax payers money? And perhaps, the EU officials (clerks?) he met were astute enough to enquire after the human rights record of Noppadon's boss, knowing how they are bright enough to access Amnesty International and Asian HRW reports on the Thaksin era. The irony.........

But Thaksin hiring the likes of Noppadon or Amsterdam is likely to backfire in the long-run, now that Thaksin is yesterday's dictator and failed revolutionary, and it would just appear to muddy his name further as no BKK-based diplomat can fail to be aware by now, just how deep and involved the hand of Thaksin was in the bloody events of April and May this year and will have kept their Foreign Offices closely informed on the links. It must be quite amusing for them to receive the 'dope and hear his lobbying, having just read the file report on May events beforehand.

[Valentine]

As Mr T's representative & in light of the fact K. Noppodon is a private citizen he is really just pushing excrement up a very steep hill. There are plenty of other ways Mr T could try & legitimize or endear himself. One would be to use all the money he is paying for high priced lawyers & lobbyists & give it to the people he so loves in the form of sustainable programmes whereby they will not need handouts in the future.

[Insight]

Even if we may be in some far off distant fantasy land where, just for once, Noppodon might be speaking in this completely alien concept to him called "the truth", a video on here posted by a red shirt propagandist a few weeks ago displayed just how clueless some members of the EU parliament were about the situation in Thailand.

Never thought I'd find myself siding with Maggie, but I'm starting to agree with her when she used the words "a weak lot" to describe some of these people. A quick background check on Noppadon should be enough to give people an idea of his intentions.

[scorecard]

Noppadon, and jatuporn, have on numerous occasions stated that they are about to divulge the names / the data / the information, etc., to back up their (often laughable) claims.

It's never appeared.

Both of these fools have no morals, no hesitation to tells lies, no credibility, and no hesitation to be divisive.

[givenall]

As Mr T's representative & in light of the fact K. Noppodon is a private citizen he is really just pushing excrement up a very steep hill. There are plenty of other ways Mr T could try & legitimize or endear himself. One would be to use all the money he is paying for high priced lawyers & lobbyists & give it to the people he so loves in the form of sustainable programmes whereby they will not need handouts in the future.

How stupid can Thaksin and his supporter can be. If they want the world approval then get o board and support the reconciliation proposal. But he is to errgant and she still really think he will come back. Only if hel_l freezes over.

[kuffki]

Well, USA failed to give him support, now try EU, if that fails i am sure he will get it from Iran or North Korea

[frankman]

We should give these thugs,

NOT another thought,

and NOTany press space in the media anymore!!!

Move on thailand!!! 

[scorecard]

1. Quote, from Noppadon: "Noppadon said EU officials understood the government used excessive violence in deploying troops to crack down on the people, he said."

So Khun Noppadon, where's the evidence that the EU officials actually said specifically what you claim? And who do you mean by 'EU officials'?

2. Noppadon says the trip was his own idea and he paid for it himself! Again Thaksin, and his lakkies think that Thais, and everybody, are fools and will believe anything.

Noppadons' credibility - less than zero!

[Insight]

Noppadons' credibility - less than zero!

So it's on the up then?

[pitanu]

nopadol making a fool of himself again. oh did you hear thaksin repeat the famous line once more "i will return by ........" i've waited since christmas, new years, songkran, constitution day, so when is it? doomsday?

[ratcatcher]

As Mr T's representative & in light of the fact K. Noppodon is a private citizen he is really just pushing excrement up a very steep hill. There are plenty of other ways Mr T could try & legitimize or endear himself. One would be to use all the money he is paying for high priced lawyers & lobbyists & give it to the people he so loves in the form of sustainable programmes whereby they will not need handouts in the future.

Valentine, the very idea of using his own money, ill gotten as it may be, to help and aid the poor people in his own country, has never crossed his confused little mind.

Thaksin is not a philanthropist,he is just a greedy, ego maniacal,vengeful,lying, fugitive from Thai justice. (Did I get it all?)

[souvenirdeparis]

they could be concerned with neighbour Burma's nuclear projects, and what goes on at the Cambodian border, and the dams on the Mekong, but of course they haven't got a clue .They think BKK is for holidays.

[kissdani]

1. Quote, from Noppadon: "Noppadon said EU officials understood the government used excessive violence in deploying troops to crack down on the people, he said."

So Khun Noppadon, where's the evidence that the EU officials actually said specifically what you claim? And who do you mean by 'EU officials'?

2. Noppadon says the trip was his own idea and he paid for it himself! Again Thaksin, and his lakkies think that Thais, and everybody, are fools and will believe anything.

Noppadons' credibility - less than zero!

:violin:

Why has he no credibility? What is your cedibility? Easy to be fooled by your maid or hopeless gullible when it comes to believe Abhisit?

What is all about the talks to be open mind and listen to everybody and opinions from all sides when any critical voice immediately get dismissed, shrugged off and ignored?

That is from the the EU parliament:

It is also possible to watch the US congress session online and how they made their Resolution declaration on the situation in Thailand.

http://houselive.gov/

click on video July 1, 2010. When the video stream starts skip to 2:53:00 on the time scale.

Very different from the EU parliament, but an amazing show, how the US congressmen all work together (411-4). Devote their time and energy to help Thailand and to remind Thailand on the values of freedom, democracy, and liberty.

That no party should use violence but resolve their differences peacefully through dialogue. And not forget that reconciliation can only happen with participation by all parties involved in the political crisis, that it must be ensured that the media can operate freely and that the bloody crackdown must be investigated by an independent committee.

And most important - elections, free and fair election. Not rule by decree and lame excuses for further delays.

[Thai at Heart]

In all honesty that sounds like someone trying to justify an expense report after a night on the razz in Patpong and Nana.

"Honestly boss, this invoice for "Super lady Joiner" is completely kosher"

[Insight]

1. Quote, from Noppadon: "Noppadon said EU officials understood the government used excessive violence in deploying troops to crack down on the people, he said."

So Khun Noppadon, where's the evidence that the EU officials actually said specifically what you claim? And who do you mean by 'EU officials'?

2. Noppadon says the trip was his own idea and he paid for it himself! Again Thaksin, and his lakkies think that Thais, and everybody, are fools and will believe anything.

Noppadons' credibility - less than zero!

:violin:

Why has he no credibility? What is your cedibility? Easy to be fooled by your maid or hopeless gullible when it comes to believe Abhisit?

What is all about the talks to be open mind and listen to everybody and opinions from all sides when any critical voice immediately get dismissed, shrugged off and ignored?

That is from the the EU parliament:

It is also possible to watch the US congress session online and how they made their Resolution declaration on the situation in Thailand.

http://houselive.gov/

click on video July 1, 2010. When the video stream starts skip to 2:53:00 on the time scale.

Very different from the EU parliament, but an amazing show, how the US congressmen all work together (411-4). Devote their time and energy to help Thailand and to remind Thailand on the values of freedom, democracy, and liberty.

That no party should use violence but resolve their differences peacefully through dialogue. And not forget that reconciliation can only happen with participation by all parties involved in the political crisis, that it must be ensured that the media can operate freely and that the bloody crackdown must be investigated by an independent committee.

And most important - elections, free and fair election. Not rule by decree and lame excuses for further delays.

That's the video I was referring to posted earlier. Posting style looks awfully similar also

Never mind. The video clearly shows how many of them are lacking in a clue. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also felt obliged to make a statement about the "lawyer's" visit also.

[Mosha]

EU concerned about Thai freedoms. Give me a brak. Eangland especially London the most monitored city on the planet.

[rubl]

1. Quote, from Noppadon: "Noppadon said EU officials understood the government used excessive violence in deploying troops to crack down on the people, he said."

So Khun Noppadon, where's the evidence that the EU officials actually said specifically what you claim? And who do you mean by 'EU officials'?

2. Noppadon says the trip was his own idea and he paid for it himself! Again Thaksin, and his lakkies think that Thais, and everybody, are fools and will believe anything.

Noppadons' credibility - less than zero!

:violin:

Why has he no credibility? What is your cedibility? Easy to be fooled by your maid or hopeless gullible when it comes to believe Abhisit?

What is all about the talks to be open mind and listen to everybody and opinions from all sides when any critical voice immediately get dismissed, shrugged off and ignored?

Rambling as usual I'd say.

ad.1.: K. Noppadon didn't mention ANY names as usual for him. Still waiting to know the names of the Americans in Washington he 'had discussions with'.

ad.2. K. Noppadon had his bank account frozen. He said a week or so ago friends borrowed/gave him money to go the the USA, and all of a sudden he can pay for the Washington - Brussels ticket ? And as all this talking with Washington/Brussels is his idea as private pesons, why would anyone be interested in talking to him? Unless he manages to convince diplomats and politicians he 'represents certain interests'.

Now these replies have nothing to do with not-being open-minded, just annoyed with how you trash others opinions. Why not be a bit more open-minded yourself ?

[kissdani]

That's the video I was referring to posted earlier. Posting style looks awfully similar also

Never mind. The video clearly shows how many of them are lacking in a clue. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also felt obliged to make a statement about the "lawyer's" visit also.

Will you also start to call me a red shirt because i posted the BBC video?

I am also posted the link where you can watch how the US resolution is done. But about this there were no reports on CNN or BBC. Wonder why? Another evidence how much bias is in the media.

Press Release

- Thai Foreign Ministry Spokesperson responds to questions about the visit to Brussels by Police Lieutenant Colonel Thaksin Shinawatra’s legal adviser

July 5, 2010, 7:04 pm

On 3 July 2010, Ms. Vimon Kidchob, Director-General of the Department of Information and Foreign Ministry Spokesperson, responding to media enquiries regarding the visit of former prime minister Police Lieutenant Colonel Thaksin Shinawatra’s legal adviser, Mr. Noppadon Pattama, to Brussels to seek meetings with members of the European Commission and European Parliament, said that the matter should not pose any problems. She further elaborated that Thailand has been in close communication with the European Union and its members, providing them with facts on the political situation in Thailand, including the Government’s efforts to resolve related problems and promote reconciliation. Thailand has confidence in the judgment of people concerned in the EU.

The Foreign Ministry Spokesperson underlined that the EU fully understands the situation and recognises that the present Thai Government assumed office through democratic means in accordance with the parliamentary system and is determined to resolve the political problems of the country in a peaceful manner while exercising restraint in dealing with the situation. On 20 May 2010, the European Parliament passed a resolution encouraging Thailand to resolve its situation through democratic and peaceful means while acknowledging the Prime Minister’s reconciliation plan. Meanwhile, Baroness Catherine Ashton, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy said in her statement on 21 May 2010, expressing the hope that the Thai nation would look ahead and seek a pragmatic solution and noting that a basis for that could be the five point roadmap proposed by Prime Minister Abhisit. The Royal Thai Embassy in Brussels as well as those in other EU member countries have also been keeping the European governments and the European Parliament abreast of the steady progress being made on all aspects of the reconciliation plan.

http://www.mfa.go.th/web/35.php?id=24707

[rubl]

Will you also start to call me a red shirt because i posted the BBC video?

don't worry, not a red-shirt, a fool maybe

[Thai at Heart]

That's the video I was referring to posted earlier. Posting style looks awfully similar also

Never mind. The video clearly shows how many of them are lacking in a clue. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also felt obliged to make a statement about the "lawyer's" visit also.

Will you also start to call me a red shirt because i posted the BBC video?

I am also posted the link where you can watch how the US resolution is done. But about this there were no reports on CNN or BBC. Wonder why? Another evidence how much bias is in the media.

Press Release

- Thai Foreign Ministry Spokesperson responds to questions about the visit to Brussels by Police Lieutenant Colonel Thaksin Shinawatra’s legal adviser

July 5, 2010, 7:04 pm

On 3 July 2010, Ms. Vimon Kidchob, Director-General of the Department of Information and Foreign Ministry Spokesperson, responding to media enquiries regarding the visit of former prime minister Police Lieutenant Colonel Thaksin Shinawatra’s legal adviser, Mr. Noppadon Pattama, to Brussels to seek meetings with members of the European Commission and European Parliament, said that the matter should not pose any problems. She further elaborated that Thailand has been in close communication with the European Union and its members, providing them with facts on the political situation in Thailand, including the Government’s efforts to resolve related problems and promote reconciliation. Thailand has confidence in the judgment of people concerned in the EU.

The Foreign Ministry Spokesperson underlined that the EU fully understands the situation and recognises that the present Thai Government assumed office through democratic means in accordance with the parliamentary system and is determined to resolve the political problems of the country in a peaceful manner while exercising restraint in dealing with the situation. On 20 May 2010, the European Parliament passed a resolution encouraging Thailand to resolve its situation through democratic and peaceful means while acknowledging the Prime Minister’s reconciliation plan. Meanwhile, Baroness Catherine Ashton, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy said in her statement on 21 May 2010, expressing the hope that the Thai nation would look ahead and seek a pragmatic solution and noting that a basis for that could be the five point roadmap proposed by Prime Minister Abhisit. The Royal Thai Embassy in Brussels as well as those in other EU member countries have also been keeping the European governments and the European Parliament abreast of the steady progress being made on all aspects of the reconciliation plan.

http://www.mfa.go.th/web/35.php?id=24707

Seems obviously that Kasit is finally doing something constructive instead of trumpeting where, how and when he will get Thaksin extradited.

Long may Mr. Kasit stay out of the public eye(since he has a dubious record about how and where he should present his presence) and stick to assiduously furthering relations with all foreign countries to make Thaksin's daily life as complicated as possible.

This doesn't change the fact that they might be out of government soon enough, but sitting around moaning and bitching about where Thaksin went yesterday is all very pointless. I have a feeling that hearing that the Finance Ministry had engaged their own lobbying firm in the US, that the new found effectiveness and better diplomacy of the foreign ministry actually has nothing to do with the foreign minister at all.

[kissdani]

Will you also start to call me a red shirt because i posted the BBC video?

don't worry, not a red-shirt, a fool maybe

Aren't we all a little bit foolish when we talk here about Thai politics.

p.s.: I searched to get more details on the Nappadon tour mission and found the link to the twitter account of the MFA. Not much different from the MFA website, but you can add a RSS feed, so you can be always updated and don't need a twitter account to follow.

http://twitter.com/mfathai_pr_en

p.p.s.: Anyone experienced that twitter seems to be offline from time to time? Happen to me on a TRUE Bangkok connection.

[rubl]

Will you also start to call me a red shirt because i posted the BBC video?

don't worry, not a red-shirt, a fool maybe

Aren't we all a little bit foolish when we talk here about Thai politics.

p.s.: I searched to get more details on the Nappadon tour mission and found the link to the twitter account of the MFA. Not much different from the MFA website, but you can add a RSS feed, so you can be always updated and don't need a twitter account to follow.

http://twitter.com/mfathai_pr_en

p.p.s.: Anyone experienced that twitter seems to be offline from time to time? Happen to me on a TRUE Bangkok connection.

Haven't you noticed some seem more foolish than others

Regarding the first PS, personally I can only say 'who cares'

As for the second PS, I've got True Online 3+1Mb, not as good as TOT goldcyber I think. Maybe depends on how your trunk is 'shared'. twittering was sometimes difficult especially during the April-May period (could mostly get nw twitters, but not post/reply any.

[yesdavy]

<BR>1. Quote, from Noppadon:&nbsp;&nbsp;"Noppadon said EU officials understood the government used excessive violence in deploying troops to crack down on the people, he said."<BR>So Khun Noppadon, where's the evidence that the EU officials actually said specifically what you claim? And who do you mean by 'EU officials'?<BR><BR>2. Noppadon says the trip was his own idea and he paid for it himself! Again Thaksin, and his lakkies think that Thais, and everybody, are fools and will believe anything.<BR>Noppadons' credibility - less than zero!<BR>

<BR><BR>Well, first off, in all fairness, Noppadon did not say the EU officials <EM>said </EM>specifically what he claimed. Does it not say that Noppadon said EU officials <EM>understood </EM>the government used excessive violence in deploying troops to crack down on the people?<BR><BR>But never mind Noppadon. Even Kasit confirmed that other governments were critical of how the crisis was handled as early as 29 April when he dispatched Antonio Rodriguez, dean of the Bangkok diplomatic corps, to express his concern.<BR><BR>"In a note to other diplomats based in Thailand, Rodriguez said Kasit accused some ambassadors of voicing opposition to the constitutional monarchy and criticising the government's handling of the crisis. Kasit was a public supporter of the Yellow Shirt movement before becoming foreign minister."<BR><BR>"The envoys' opposition to the government and to the monarchy was inappropriate and will not be tolerated."<BR><BR>source: <A href="http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/4/29/nation/20100429143353&amp;sec=nation"><BR><BR>It may be accurate that it was not Noppadon's own idea and money, but saying it was not doesn't make it true. Noppadon is a former foreign minister. There is no need to defend him. He is a practicing attorney. Would It be fair to deduce that a former foreign minister and practicing lawyer has the resources to travel abroad? Would it be fair to deduce that he is experienced at navigating international political and diplomatic channels, and would it be fair to deduce that he knows people and still has some connections abroad? It may be accurate that Noppadon has no credibility among some well respected and important posters, but perhaps, the people he met with in the public and private sectors in North America and Europe have been capable of determining Noppadon's credibility firsthand for themselves. Edited July 5, 2010 by yesdavy

[yesdavy]

1. Quote, from Noppadon: "Noppadon said EU officials understood the government used excessive violence in deploying troops to crack down on the people, he said."

So Khun Noppadon, where's the evidence that the EU officials actually said specifically what you claim? And who do you mean by 'EU officials'?

2. Noppadon says the trip was his own idea and he paid for it himself! Again Thaksin, and his lakkies think that Thais, and everybody, are fools and will believe anything.

Noppadons' credibility - less than zero!

Well, first off, in all fairness, Noppadon did not say the EU officials said specifically what he claimed. Does it not say that Noppadon said EU officials understood the government used excessive violence in deploying troops to crack down on the people?

But never mind Noppadon. Even Kasit confirmed that other governments were critical of how the crisis was handled as early as 29 April when he dispatched Antonio Rodriguez, dean of the Bangkok diplomatic corps, to express his concern.

source: http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/4/29/nation/20100429143353&amp;sec=nation

It may be accurate that it was not Noppadon's own idea and money, but saying it was not doesn't make it true. Why would he lie about it? Noppadon is a former foreign minister. There is no need to defend him. He is a practicing attorney. Would It be fair to deduce that a former foreign minister and practicing lawyer has the resources to travel abroad? Would it be fair to deduce that he is experienced at navigating international political and diplomatic channels, and would it be fair to deduce that he knows people and still has some connections abroad?

It may be accurate that Noppadon has no credibility among some well respected and important posters, but perhaps, the people he met with in the public and private sectors in North America and Europe have been capable of determining Noppadon's credibility firsthand for themselves.

[rubl]

1. Quote, from Noppadon "Noppadon said EU officials understood the government used excessive violence in deploying troops to crack down on the people, he said."

So Khun Noppadon, where's the evidence that the EU officials actually said specifically what you claim? And who do you mean by 'EU officials'?2. Noppadon says the trip was his own idea and he paid for it himself! Again Thaksin, and his lakkies think that Thais, and everybody, are fools and will believe anything.Noppadons' credibility - less than zero!

Well, first off, in all fairness, Noppadon did not say the EU officials <EM>said </EM>specifically what he claimed. Does it not say that Noppadon said EU officials <EM>understood </EM>the government used excessive violence in deploying troops to crack down on the people?But never mind Noppadon. Even Kasit confirmed that other governments were critical of how the crisis was handled as early as 29 April when he dispatched Antonio Rodriguez, dean of the Bangkok diplomatic corps, to express his concern.

"In a note to other diplomats based in Thailand, Rodriguez said Kasit accused some ambassadors of voicing opposition to the constitutional monarchy and criticising the government's handling of the crisis. Kasit was a public supporter of the Yellow Shirt movement before becoming foreign minister."

"The envoys' opposition to the government and to the monarchy was inappropriate and will not be tolerated."

source: "http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/4/29/nation/20100429143353&amp;sec=nation"

It may be accurate that it was not Noppadon's own idea and money, but saying it was not doesn't make it true. Noppadon is a former foreign minister. There is no need to defend him. He is a practicing attorney. Would It be fair to deduce that a former foreign minister and practicing lawyer has the resources to travel abroad? Would it be fair to deduce that he is experienced at navigating international political and diplomatic channels, and would it be fair to deduce that he knows people and still has some connections abroad? It may be accurate that Noppadon has no credibility among some well respected and important posters, but perhaps, the people he met with in the public and private sectors in North America and Europe have been capable of determining Noppadon's credibility firsthand for themselves.

(removed some irritating HTML without changing actual content, I think)

When Noppadon says he's travelling on his own money, it suggests:

- when he said previously friends gave/borrowed him he lied.

- if he pays for himself, either his client is too poor to pay, or he's traveling on private indication. As K. Thaksin still seems to have money, K Noppadon seems to travel on his own accord. As a private person he has no special position to talk, explain, question or demand (other what all of us may or may not be able to get away with).

Finally we can agree with something, your last sentence is right on the mark: people he met with are capable to determine his credibility firsthand and some he couldn't get hold of already knew

Edited July 5, 2010 by rubl

[animatic]

As Mr T's representative & in light of the fact K. Noppodon is a private citizen he is really just pushing excrement up a very steep hill. There are plenty of other ways Mr T could try & legitimize or endear himself. One would be to use all the money he is paying for high priced lawyers & lobbyists & give it to the people he so loves in the form of sustainable programmes whereby they will not need handouts in the future.

So he should be renamed

Shithepush as opposed to Sisyphus?

Such irony is only available once in alifetime.

[Rucharee]

US & EU should not mess with Thailand domestic affair. Full Stop.