Thaksin'S Years In The 'Wilderness'

[chaoyang]

After five years or so in the "wilderness" is it possible that Thaksin has changed? I would think that experience would change anyone.

I lived in Thailand during his rise, election and overthrow by the military coup. At the time I perceived him as narrowly nationalistic, even anti-foreign, and appealing to the more base instincts of the rural class.

As well, I recall the endless hubs and crackdowns as his government seemed to shoot from the hip and announce new policies almost daily that had not been thoroughly thought through.

Unfortunately (for me) I lived near the sites of the infamous Night Safari and Floral Expo in Chiang Mai, two schemes that he ram-rodded through. The first proved a disaster and the second only a bit less so as land for the expo was taken away from farmers and the entire area's water supply affected.

But he did bring affordable health care to the poor and finally got some sort of subway in Bangkok and the new airport finished.

It might not have been his intent, but he also showed the underclasses that they could be empowered to have a say in how they are governed and that has forever changed Thailand, I think.

Perhaps after he was forced to live among foreigners and lost the ability to visit his homeland Thaksin has gained a bit of humility that could help him be a better leader. He certainly is capable enough if his energies were channeled in the right way.

[bermondburi]

Leopard ? Spots ? have to wait and see on that one. He is getting on a bit now though. 62 I think so he might want to slow down.

[Galong]

He also went after any journalist who said anything bad about him. I find it rather difficult to believe that someone with an ego as large as his wouldn't seek revenge upon returning. I think it would eat at him knowing that someone else 'won' a battle against him. I hope I'm wrong, but human nature and personal quirks often override common sense and logic.

My other hope is that he comes back with a more progressive attitude towards foreigners. He wasn't completely anti-foreigner before. He did make some aspects of working here easier. Corruption at the local level was down while he ruled, at least it was where my business was concerned.

[robblok]

He also went after any journalist who said anything bad about him. I find it rather difficult to believe that someone with an ego as large as his wouldn't seek revenge upon returning. I think it would eat at him knowing that someone else 'won' a battle against him. I hope I'm wrong, but human nature and personal quirks often override common sense and logic.

My other hope is that he comes back with a more progressive attitude towards foreigners. He wasn't completely anti-foreigner before. He did make some aspects of working here easier. Corruption at the local level was down while he ruled, at least it was where my business was concerned.

I changed here.. in Holland i was more against foreigners then i am now. I now see the problems they face and the stupid things that are expected of them. People always say they have to assimilate, after being here i know that is impossible because you always keep your own identity. As long as it does not conflict with your new country its not a problem.

I hope Mr T changed too but dont forget he lived a life of luxury there not much different than what he lived here.

[Briggsy]

Now, as a triple national, (Montegro & Nicaragua, I believe), he may review Thailand's protectionist laws. Just kidding.

[andrewbkk]

After five years or so in the "wilderness"

He was NEVER in the wilderness. He was always here. He was always a part of everything. He never really left. And he never will.

[chaoyang]

Now, as a triple national, (Montegro & Nicaragua, I believe), he may review Thailand's protectionist laws. Just kidding.

We know what it feels like to have a visa expiring and the feeling of vulnerability that brings. What if you faced the possibility of no passport/person without a country?

Yes I know ... Thaksin is super rich and not as exposed as we would be, but I think it could lead to some soul searching about how he managed to bring all that down on his head.

Whatever you think of the guy, he didn't crumple and go quietly into the night, even with such powerful forces arrayed against him. From outside the country he instead managed to bring them down.

[Trembly]

Because going on passport-shopping holidays in the Caribbean and Eastern Europe with a couple hundred million dollars in your back pocket is so humiliating.

Mind you, being fellated by an endless supply of floozies from an international menu at his Dubai mansion whilst glued to the satellite phone to Thailand might possibly soften his Thai-Love-Thai bent.

[Shotime]

After five years or so in the "wilderness"

He was NEVER in the wilderness. He was always here. He was always a part of everything. He never really left. And he never will.

He'll leave eventually. Like all of us. However, it would seem that everything will return to normal. The people love him, and hated the old regime. They all steal, but some give a little back to the people. At least, the majority of the people are happy. That's good.

[colinscarr]

I don't think he'll have changed much while broadening the mind with his travels.

While the law may be changed, bent twisted or whatever to allow him back with a Get Out Of Gaol Card, I suspect that certain people might then feel justified in taking extra judicial steps to stop him dead on arrival.

Yes, that last sentence is deliberately ambiguous, and no I do not intend to explain it any further.

Edited for grammar

[zzaa09]

We should be expecting a full pardon in a year's time.

That will certainly set of the pundits circus of debate.

[chaoyang]

Because going on passport-shopping holidays in the Caribbean and Eastern Europe with a couple hundred million dollars in your back pocket is so humiliating.

That might sound like the lap of luxury to many of us, but I would think it was humiliating to someone who was the top dog in his country and a player on the international stage.

Mind you, being fellated by an endless supply of floozies from an international menu at his Dubai mansion whilst glued to the satellite phone to Thailand might possibly soften his Thai-Love-Thai bent.

Where you got this, I have no idea, except from the recesses of your obviously sick mind, but I'm surprised the mods let such an ugly statement stand.