Thaksin: A Continuing Menace

[rubl]

Why all the hypothetical concern about what a dictatorship Thaksin will turn Thailand into when things like this are happening right now?

Why, because lots of members like to speculate, that's why. Like on

- imminent coup

- will we have elections?

- Democrats loosing or winning the elections

- the price of important articles like beer

- etc., etc.

Edited March 16, 2011 by rubl

[hyperdimension]

thaksin did more for thailand than anyone past or present.

... and future, if we are to believe his rubbish ("make all Thais rich in 6 months").

yea, so he was corrupt when it came to business... show me someone who isn't. you simply CAN'T get shit done politically, especially in thailand, without it.

He took corruption to a far greater level. Just because corruption is "business as usual", it doesn't mean it should be accepted going forward. Corruption should be weeded out as time goes by, even if it has to be at a slow pace. You can be sure that Pheu Thai have tried to dig up any dirt at all about Abhisit to discredit him, and what evidence have they come up with?

[Buchholz]

From todays censure debate:

On twitter:

about 16:28 #terryfrd

Chaowarin says he will keep protesting until Suthep stops bringing up Thaksin in reference to red actions.

Sound like Chaowarin doesn't like facing up to the Thaksin = PTP = Red Shirts triad as much as some of their supporters here do.

about 16:32 #tulsathit

Red shirts & Pheu Thai to form joint 'war room' to back PT in what promises to b heated censure debate on "men in black" tmrrw.

with the perfect follow-on tweet to keep the triad rolling along...

[rixalex]

thaksin did more for thailand than anyone past or present.

Thaksin did some good stuff, and he did some not so good stuff - and he also did some awful stuff - actually the awful stuff is ongoing... but as far as him doing more for Thailand than anyone else, past or present, i can only think that to make such a statement, you must be completely unaware that Thailand has a King, a King who has been on the throne over sixty years, a King who has done more for Thailand than all of the politicians past and present put together who have ever been elected.

yea, so he was corrupt when it came to business... show me someone who isn't.

Do you do business in Thailand? I meet people every day who i could show you who work darn hard and run their businesses with honesty and integrity.

[charmonman]

I promise that I will make all Thai people rich within six months

I'm listening! Wow! That's change you have to be insane to believe in.

Read his lips...and listen to what he did not say out loud, "I promise that I will make all Thai people rich (...in debts...) within six months"

He did make a similar promise before he was even PM so many years ago - solving Bangkok's traffic woes in six months. And did he?

I'm glad someone else here remembers his promise about traffic back around 1996. As I recall, one of his proposed solutions was to have helicopters hovering around key intersections looking for stalled cars. Upon spotting them, the helicopters were to descend and lift the stalled vehicles into the air to clear the blocked lane.

Even some very anti-Thaksin Thais I have told about this (the ones too young to have been paying attention at the time) are surprised at the sheer idiocy of this idea.

[siampolee]

Charmonman.

You are indeed right on target concerning the helicopter plan and the six month time frame.I certainly remember the statement plainly after all this time.

One could hardly forget such a comical statement .

Certainly Thaksins statement concerning traffic management beats Chamberlains. ''Peace In Our Time,'' comment for crass stupidity.

[khaowong1]

So come on then... who's gunna start the ball rolling on this one?

I'll have a try'

QUOTE:

Thaksin replied "nothing, I was only giving useful, moral information to those who are willing to listen." END QUOTE.

Thaksin "giving useful,MORAL information" is a bit like Al Capone giving advice on how to withdraw money from banks.

Al Capone didn't rob banks, he sold boot leg booze during the prohibition. Looking at the fate of Machine Gun Kelly, John Dillinger, Bonnie and Clyde and others, it was an easier way to make money.

[sillybilly]

Ok.. this is our last night to try and guess what Jatuporns videos will contain.

Is anybody going to have a last minute guess???

Winner is whoever gets closest

[animatic]

abhisit had his chance to establish a democracy,but this wimp of a politician simply hasn't get what it takes to bring about a sea-change in Thai politics.

Yes of course some interpret quietly going about your work, refraining from getting too distracted by mud-slinging, speaking softy and calmly, as being wimp like. Hopefully not the majority though.

Cobbled together fragile coalitions, such as the present one, never bring about the sea-change you mention - nothing to do with the leader either. Will be exactly the same after the next election, if the numbers are anything like is expected, and whoever is in power it will make very little difference.

If you wish to comment on my posts, it would be best if you read my posts and then get up to speed on Thai politics.

Telling rixalex to get up to speed on Thai politics is like telling the Pope to read up on the Bible.

Seconded.

[zzaa09]

abhisit had his chance to establish a democracy,but this wimp of a politician simply hasn't get what it takes to bring about a sea-change in Thai politics.

Well...this is part of the show. The ideas that Marky could lead Thailand to a "new" democratic state is quite the laughable cause. Like you, I agree that Thaksin was/is kindred to the ruling elite - as is Abhisit. As were all the other marionettes throughout the decades. This debate and discussion that goes back and forth about goodness and badness as such applies to PMs and whatnot is extremely rhetorical. One needn't know too much regarding contemporary Thailand to understand that the same long-historied power structure has always looked upon an open, free, and progressive political scheme as their enemy.

[scorecard]

Charmonman.

You are indeed right on target concerning the helicopter plan and the six month time frame.I certainly remember the statement plainly after all this time.

One could hardly forget such a comical statement .

Certainly Thaksins statement concerning traffic management beats Chamberlains. ''Peace In Our Time,'' comment for crass stupidity.

And don't forget his grandiose claims that he would totally change education, plus he claimed it was so important he took the Education portfilio himself, along with the PM seat.

Sx months later he had achieved nothinhg at all, and quietly passed the Education ministry to one his leeches, a leech who couldn't even spell the word education.

[MILT]

Here are some facts, First Mr. T when he ran for office he barely made it in because of hiding his money and assets. He barely squeak in. What brought this man and his family down was he decided to change the laws so he would not have to pay taxes on his wealth. You posters that defend this man keep a blind eye to the fact that he is all about power and control, and nothing to do with helping this country or the people that live here.

Buying votes has nothing to do with the democratic process

unfortunately - whatever his politics or methods, he can still argue that he was a democratically elected PM who was deposed illegally - if he is a "menace" he is a "menace" created at least in part by the current ruling cabal.

Thaksin is after all just another faction of the ruling elite - a black sheep or maybe a prodigal son!?!?!?

Sadly you can't see past you own prejudice to understand my point.If it helps, vote buying is endemic in Thai politics, it is not the preserve of Thaksin.... unfortunately most TV posters see Thai politics in the same way as they view a football contest - a blind following of one strip or another regardless of the issues involved.

[animatic]

Here are some facts, First Mr. T when he ran for office he barely made it in because of hiding his money and assets. He barely squeak in. What brought this man and his family down was he decided to change the laws so he would not have to pay taxes on his wealth. You posters that defend this man keep a blind eye to the fact that he is all about power and control, and nothing to do with helping this country or the people that live here.

Buying votes has nothing to do with the democratic process

unfortunately - whatever his politics or methods, he can still argue that he was a democratically elected PM who was deposed illegally - if he is a "menace" he is a "menace" created at least in part by the current ruling cabal.

Thaksin is after all just another faction of the ruling elite - a black sheep or maybe a prodigal son!?!?!?

Sadly you can't see past you own prejudice to understand my point.If it helps, vote buying is endemic in Thai politics, it is not the preserve of Thaksin.... unfortunately most TV posters see Thai politics in the same way as they view a football contest - a blind following of one strip or another regardless of the issues involved.

The other parts continually forgotten for political convenience sake is that :

Thaksin was only care taker Prime Minister his last several months in office, after he had dissolved parliament,

His only mandate was removed, by his own action,

except to minimally steer the country as caretaker

and primarily responsible to run the coming election properly.

And specifically WITHIN the time frame the constitution mandates.

Thaksin had not run the election properly, and then his mandate as care taker PM had expired.

He had gone to the palace, apparently received no confidence there and publicly resigned / stepped down as Care Taker Prime Minister.

Thaksin resigns china daily 2006-04-05 08:52

His Deputy Prime Minister Chidchai Vanasatidya was named Caretaker Prime Minister for a new period.

April 7, 2006

KUALA LUMPUR (AFP) - Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said the resignation of Thai leader Thaksin Shinawatra would make no difference to relations between the neighbouring countries.

Thaksin, who resigned Tuesday after months of demonstrations, has appointed his deputy Chidchai Vanasatidya to replace him as caretaker prime minister.

Thaksin resigns, Asia Tribune

Thaksin then a week or so later he decided unilaterally, on his own, to take back the Care Taker Prime ministers job.

Thaksin Resigns.....Or Does He? by The Editor on Fri 07 Apr 2006 03:07 PM PDT

He had not gone back to the palace to be signed off on for a replacement term as CTPM by HRM, so he was no longer legally CTPM.

Then his side engineered the sham bomb attack on him by lackies in Pimalopes security bureau and tried to use that as an excuse to take full control via a State of Emergency. Anyone see anything further about that patsy lieutenant who was in the car? Thought not. He has quietly gone about his business, no word on him being in jail serving his term for trying to 'assassinate the PM' as Team Thaksin would have had us believe. It and the patsy all were swept under the table and into the past.

At this point the army had had enough of him.

Waited till he was enough out of touch to not react quickly, and was also doing something unconstitutional; attempting to speak at the UN as if her were the Prime Minister of Thailand and not a Caretaker.

They pulled the plug. So yes there was a coup to remove an illegally serving, extra-constitutional, FORMER PM, who had tried to wrest absolute control of the country via a sham assassination attempt, when he didn't even hold the current mandate fro the job under the '97 constitutional rules.

.

Ah, but this is all about Democracy, is it?

Democracy is not his aim, only a tool.

Let the red-bandwidth, lower frequency, flames start up.

Edited March 17, 2011 by animatic

[Pi Sek]

The other parts continually forgotten for political convenience sake is that :

Thaksin was only care taker Prime Minister his last several months in office, after he had dissolved parliament,

His only mandate was removed, by his own action,

except to minimally steer the country as caretaker

and primarily responsible to run the coming election properly.

And specifically WITHIN the time frame the constitution mandates.

Thaksin had not run the election properly, and then his mandate as care taker PM had expired.

He had gone to the palace, apparently received no confidence there and publicly resigned / stepped down as Care Taker Prime Minister.

Thaksin resigns china daily 2006-04-05 08:52

His Deputy Prime Minister Chidchai Vanasatidya was named Caretaker Prime Minister for a new period.

April 7, 2006

KUALA LUMPUR (AFP) - Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said the resignation of Thai leader Thaksin Shinawatra would make no difference to relations between the neighbouring countries.

Thaksin, who resigned Tuesday after months of demonstrations, has appointed his deputy Chidchai Vanasatidya to replace him as caretaker prime minister.

Thaksin resigns, Asia Tribune

Thaksin then a week or so later he decided unilaterally, on his own, to take back the Care Taker Prime ministers job.

Thaksin Resigns.....Or Does He? by The Editor on Fri 07 Apr 2006 03:07 PM PDT

He had not gone back to the palace to be signed off on for a replacement term as CTPM by HRM, so he was no longer legally CTPM.

Then his side engineered the sham bomb attack on him by lackies in Pimalopes security bureau and tried to use that as an excuse to take full control via a State of Emergency. Anyone see anything further about that patsy lieutenant who was in the car? Thought not. He has quietly gone about his business, no word on him being in jail serving his term for trying to 'assassinate the PM' as Team Thaksin would have had us believe. It and the patsy all were swept under the table and into the past.

At this point the army had had enough of him.

Waited till he was enough out of touch to not react quickly, and was also doing something unconstitutional; attempting to speak at the UN as if her were the Prime Minister of Thailand and not a Caretaker.

They pulled the plug. So yes there was a coup to remove an illegally serving, extra-constitutional, FORMER PM, who had tried to wrest absolute control of the country via a sham assassination attempt, when he didn't even hold the current mandate fro the job under the '97 constitutional rules.

.

Ah, but this is all about Democracy, is it?

Democracy is not his aim, only a tool.

Let the red-bandwidth, lower frequency, flames start up.

The only debatable point to ani's post is whether the assassination attempt was a genuine threat, so it's hard to flame it.

[hyperdimension]

The only debatable point to ani's post is whether the assassination attempt was a genuine threat, so it's hard to flame it.

Here's some more information about it: Fired general claims Thaksin faked assassination plot

[animatic]

The only debatable point to ani's post is whether the assassination attempt was a genuine threat, so it's hard to flame it.

Here's some more information about it: Fired general claims Thaksin faked assassination plot

Not so long after this public disclosure the good General, Pallop Pinmanee, was on Thaksins team after a meeting with him in China, causing a rather obvious total about face in visible alliances and soon we saw Sae Daeng and Panlop squared off with the 'New Thai Peoples Army', and nominating a scared for shit Gen. Chalerm as the leader of said new free Thailand Peoples Army... never to be seen again.

The newspaper quoted Prasong Soonsiri, a former head of the National Security Council, as saying the alleged plot was an attempt by the embattled government to divert attention from other issues and could lead to Thaksin declaring a state of emergency. ...

...Thaksin on Friday maintained the attempt on his life was genuine, saying four senior military officers, some on active duty and others retired, were the masterminds. He said he would not reveal their names.

They try to kill him but he won't name them?

Of course we have heard not a thing about the culprit(s), nor his alleged masterminds, nor a word about this at all since then.

Why would an attempted bomb attack on the head of state not continue to be prosecuted for years until totally resolved and ALL involved sent to jail for decades????

As to the credibility of this bomb threat, the pictures take of this 'bomb, were of an incredibly amateur looking device, something a politician or his lackies my think was a bomb, but never a true military man.

And for the humorous quotes in the same breath practically.

...Police spokesman Lieutenant General Achirawit Suphanaesat urged all parties to stop speculating and let the justice system take its course.

"The investigator has evidence and witnesses to back up that this car was driven out of IOSC headquarters at 5:45 a.m. This proved that the car originated from there," he said. "Let the courts pass judgment on the culprit. No one should rush into drawing conclusions without evidence."

Yeah, but where did the alleged BOMB originate from???

Edited March 17, 2011 by animatic

[Pi Sek]

Just for the record... I think that there was no way the "assassination plot" was a real one. But it's still the only debatable issue in post #103. Not proven either way, and I suspect never will be.

[Buchholz]

Not so long after this public disclosure the good General, Pallop Pinmanee, was on Thaksins team after a meeting with him in China, causing a rather obvious total about face in visible alliances and soon we saw Sae Daeng and Panlop squared off with the 'New Thai Peoples Army', and nominating a scared for shit Gen. Chalerm as the leader of said new free Thailand Peoples Army... never to be seen again.

The newspaper quoted Prasong Soonsiri, a former head of the National Security Council, as saying the alleged plot was an attempt by the embattled government to divert attention from other issues and could lead to Thaksin declaring a state of emergency. ...

...Thaksin on Friday maintained the attempt on his life was genuine, saying four senior military officers, some on active duty and others retired, were the masterminds. He said he would not reveal their names.

They try to kill him but he won't name them?

Of course we have heard not a thing about the culprit(s), nor his alleged masterminds, nor a word about this at all since then.

Why would an attempted bomb attack on the head of state not continue to be prosecuted for years until totally resolved and ALL involved sent to jail for decades????

As to the credibility of this bomb threat, the pictures take of this 'bomb, were of an incredibly amateur looking device, something a politician or his lackies my think was a bomb, but never a true military man.

And for the humorous quotes in the same breath practically.

...Police spokesman Lieutenant General Achirawit Suphanaesat urged all parties to stop speculating and let the justice system take its course.

"The investigator has evidence and witnesses to back up that this car was driven out of IOSC headquarters at 5:45 a.m. This proved that the car originated from there," he said. "Let the courts pass judgment on the culprit. No one should rush into drawing conclusions without evidence."

Yeah, but where did the alleged BOMB originate from???

Thaksin at his BS finest:

"The bomb was ready to explode," claimed government spokesman Surawong Suebwonglee. "The circuit was completely connected. There were seven sandbags to be used to steer the explosion in the direction of the prime minister's motorcade."

It would have caused damage in a radius of one kilometer, an area that included a school, he added.

Police at the scene had described what they found differently.

"What we found was urea fertilizer packed in a 10-gallon jerrycan that could be made into a bomb," one said. "But the bomb had not been put together."

http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=17&art_id=25820&sid=9586312&con_type=3

The memorable quote from Pallop at the time of his "firing":

Pallop told reporters he had nothing to do with any plot against Thaksin, but that if he had wanted Thaksin dead, he would be dead.

"It's impossible that I would assassinate the prime minister. If had wanted to do it, I would have done it more subtly," said the retired soldier who fought in Vietnam and Laos during the Vietnam War.

"If I had wanted to kill him, the prime minister would not have escaped."

http://gulfnews.com/news/world/other-world/bomb-plot-against-thaksin-thwarted-1.251254

[ianbaggie]

My ex girlfriend, once told me that Thaksin, would like Thailand to be similar to America and have a President and that is what he wants for himself. To be the first President of Thailand. Whatever else he is, he is a clever man.

jb1

That in itself isn't a horrible idea. The president idea, not the President Thaksin idea. But I think his idea of president is different than most.

It IS a horrible idea - I may be a Farang but my wife has passed on to me her love and respect for the King - I share that and think Thailand would be a worse place without it - I would LOVE his daughter to take over when the worst happens.

[ianbaggie]

I am not really a Red Shirt supporter but I do believe that if Thailand is a democracy then there should an election and people must abide by the vote of the people. If the Pheu Thai party is victor and they bring Thaksin back here then so be it. That is what democracy is all about. The majority decides.

I really don't like the yellow shirts who are a group of wealthy thugs.

I would share your view - except for the fact that the last 2 elections won by Thaksin were won by bullying, threatening, vote rigging and bribery

[ianbaggie]

unfortunately - whatever his politics or methods, he can still argue that he was a democratically elected PM who was deposed illegally - if he is a "menace" he is a "menace" created at least in part by the current ruling cabal.

Thaksin is after all just another faction of the ruling elite - a black sheep or maybe a prodigal son!?!?!?

Interesting to ponder, hypothetically. "What if" he and the Mrs. hadn't fled to Beijing {or were allowed to leave} during that period when they returned to face their accusers? The trials....?? The show...?? How would have this played out? A large fine or shot imprisonment? Or perhaps something else would have been worked out.....

I'm sure there was a lot of horse trading at the time, but as we now know those who took charge immediately after the coup were a particularly inept bunch and probably negotiated themselves into a corner where Thaksin has been able to "make a nuisance" of himself ever since.I don't think he is a particularly clever or intelligent person, but he is very shrewd and would eat many Thai politicians alive.

Let's face it - it is several years after the coup and now with the first elections looming the govt is STILL terrified of both him and his supporters - and lord knows they've tried and tried to disgrace him...... it's hard to do when you're as bad as he is.

the choice at the next election seems to be between a bumbling bunch of nits run by the Amy or a bunch of corrupt businessmen supported by Thaksin..........abhisit had his chance to establish a democracy, but this wimp of a politician simply hasn't get what it takes to bring about a sea-change in Thai politics.THe elections will be filled with murky practices followed by long rumbling legal actions...in short same ol'. same ol'........

NO....................but Abhisit hasnt embezzled or stolen or lied or murdered like Thaksin has. Depite what red shirts say!! So for me hes a FAR better option!!

[ianbaggie]

his was the best thing that happened to Thailand but the people with the money would have you believe otherwise, dlont tell me otherwise as he had more mney than most you you will ever have, befor he come to office his family had penty. How can you believe this set up you have now , after all he's only there because of the army he will be giving the fat cats plenty to stay as he is!

him give me 20 baht for wiskeee too - him good men!!:jap: Me led shirt

[ianbaggie]

I am not really a Red Shirt supporter but I do believe that if Thailand is a democracy then there should an election and people must abide by the vote of the people. If the Pheu Thai party is victor and they bring Thaksin back here then so be it. That is what democracy is all about. The majority decides.

I really don't like the yellow shirts who are a group of wealthy thugs.

as opposed to the red shirts who are just a group of thugs........

"as opposed to the red shirts who are just a group of thugs........ " - so here it is - the epitome of TV's arguments about Thai politics - you should be proud of yourself!

According to Last Aprils disgusting actions from the red shirts - hes got it spot on so maybe he SHOULD be proud of himself - You on the other hand nave a lot of reading to do!!!

[ianbaggie]

abhisit had his chance to establish a democracy,but this wimp of a politician simply hasn't get what it takes to bring about a sea-change in Thai politics.

Yes of course some interpret quietly going about your work, refraining from getting too distracted by mud-slinging, speaking softy and calmly, as being wimp like. Hopefully not the majority though.

Cobbled together fragile coalitions, such as the present one, never bring about the sea-change you mention - nothing to do with the leader either. Will be exactly the same after the next election, if the numbers are anything like is expected, and whoever is in power it will make very little difference.

If you wish to comment on my posts, it would be best if you read my posts and then get up to speed on Thai politics.

No Deerai - Id say hes got you about right!!!

[ianbaggie]

hhhh - a blessed release for us all

[jayboy]

I am not really a Red Shirt supporter but I do believe that if Thailand is a democracy then there should an election and people must abide by the vote of the people. If the Pheu Thai party is victor and they bring Thaksin back here then so be it. That is what democracy is all about. The majority decides.

I really don't like the yellow shirts who are a group of wealthy thugs.

I would share your view - except for the fact that the last 2 elections won by Thaksin were won by bullying, threatening, vote rigging and bribery

Do you have any evidence for this, specifically that "irregular" practices made a difference to the result?

It would be interesting to see why you come to this conclusion because all the independent evidence does not support it.

Perhaps you would like to refer us (links where possible please) to the international electoral representatives, Thai and foreign academics or experienced social commentators that support your conclusion

[hyperdimension]

The article Dream of treasure turns to nightmare for Thaksin also mentions what Thaksin thought was another assassination plot:

The Nation said that Thaksin’s judgment looked increasingly suspect. It said falling victim to the cave hoax was his latest blunder, following the embarrassing saga of a blast that destroyed a plane he was about to board last month.

Thaksin, who initially said a bomb had destroyed the plane and even claimed he knew who planted it, was later forced to concede that the blast was the result of a malfunction.

That article was written 10 years ago. If his judgment was that bad then, I wonder how bad it would be now. How the hell did this fool get a masters and doctorate in Criminal Justice?

[jayboy]

The article Dream of treasure turns to nightmare for Thaksin also mentions what Thaksin thought was another assassination plot:

The Nation said that Thaksin’s judgment looked increasingly suspect. It said falling victim to the cave hoax was his latest blunder, following the embarrassing saga of a blast that destroyed a plane he was about to board last month.

Thaksin, who initially said a bomb had destroyed the plane and even claimed he knew who planted it, was later forced to concede that the blast was the result of a malfunction.

That article was written 10 years ago. If his judgment was that bad then, I wonder how bad it would be now. How the hell did this fool get a masters and doctorate in Criminal Justice?

Thanks for the Andrew Marshall article.It is certainly a reminder of Thaksin's poor judgement (let's be blunt:it was pure craziness).I always felt there was something particularly Thai in the way perfectly sane people became gullible about the Japanese gold fiasco.Is there perhaps something of the gullible and uneducated peasant in many so called educated middle class Thais?

Of course this has nothing to do with Thaksin's election victories.

[Emptyset]

The other parts continually forgotten for political convenience sake is that :

Thaksin was only care taker Prime Minister his last several months in office, after he had dissolved parliament,

His only mandate was removed, by his own action,

except to minimally steer the country as caretaker

and primarily responsible to run the coming election properly.

And specifically WITHIN the time frame the constitution mandates.

Thaksin had not run the election properly, and then his mandate as care taker PM had expired.

He had gone to the palace, apparently received no confidence there and publicly resigned / stepped down as Care Taker Prime Minister.

Thaksin resigns china daily 2006-04-05 08:52

His Deputy Prime Minister Chidchai Vanasatidya was named Caretaker Prime Minister for a new period.

April 7, 2006

KUALA LUMPUR (AFP) - Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said the resignation of Thai leader Thaksin Shinawatra would make no difference to relations between the neighbouring countries.

Thaksin, who resigned Tuesday after months of demonstrations, has appointed his deputy Chidchai Vanasatidya to replace him as caretaker prime minister.

Thaksin resigns, Asia Tribune

Thaksin then a week or so later he decided unilaterally, on his own, to take back the Care Taker Prime ministers job.

Thaksin Resigns.....Or Does He? by The Editor on Fri 07 Apr 2006 03:07 PM PDT

He had not gone back to the palace to be signed off on for a replacement term as CTPM by HRM, so he was no longer legally CTPM.

Then his side engineered the sham bomb attack on him by lackies in Pimalopes security bureau and tried to use that as an excuse to take full control via a State of Emergency. Anyone see anything further about that patsy lieutenant who was in the car? Thought not. He has quietly gone about his business, no word on him being in jail serving his term for trying to 'assassinate the PM' as Team Thaksin would have had us believe. It and the patsy all were swept under the table and into the past.

At this point the army had had enough of him.

Waited till he was enough out of touch to not react quickly, and was also doing something unconstitutional; attempting to speak at the UN as if her were the Prime Minister of Thailand and not a Caretaker.

They pulled the plug. So yes there was a coup to remove an illegally serving, extra-constitutional, FORMER PM, who had tried to wrest absolute control of the country via a sham assassination attempt, when he didn't even hold the current mandate fro the job under the '97 constitutional rules.

.

Ah, but this is all about Democracy, is it?

Democracy is not his aim, only a tool.

Let the red-bandwidth, lower frequency, flames start up.

First, surely it was the EC that failed to run the election properly, not Thaksin?

Second, the coup was planned at least since February, which is before all the stuff you cite as a reason for the coup even happened. Sondhi reckons they (the elite) began making preparations for it at least year before: http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Southeast_Asia/ID27Ae01.html

Third, an election was scheduled before the coup happened. Thaksin would've definitely held one and won it. I don't understand this "caretaker" argument people are making. Yes, it's technically true, but it makes it sound like Thaksin wanted to avoid an election. Thaksin was never afraid of elections, unlike certain other parties. He was afraid of public scrutiny and debate but not of elections!

Of course, elections aren't all there is to a democracy, and I won't argue that Thaksin was 'democratic', even though he was democratically elected.

Fourth, just because you've heard nothing about those involved in the alleged car bomb plot doesn't mean "we" as a whole haven't. Three of the suspects received a jail sentence in 2009, although not for the assassination attempt itself (google: Jail terms in Thaksin 'car bomb' case), although the one who confessed wasn't jailed, he was spared for giving good evidence. Make of that what you will.

Thaksin's mentioned the plot at least once since then, probably more.

Also, there's plausible information in the Wikileaks released on Thailand that there was an assassination plot against Thaksin. I don't see why there wouldn't be, certainly there were and still are people that hate him enough to do it (especially as many see him as the root of all evil etc).

[rixalex]

Thaksin was never afraid of elections, unlike certain other parties. He was afraid of public scrutiny and debate but not of elections!

Of course, elections aren't all there is to a democracy, and I won't argue that Thaksin was 'democratic', even though he was democratically elected.

My thoughts entirely.