Rift Erupts In Thailand's Red-Shirt Movement

[seadog50]

It's always difficult to make the blind see.

it is a bit like history when the nazi party had the SA after they came to power the Brown shirts were all put to the wall (the night ogf the generals)

[lungmi]

Bands of thieves, murderers and general scumbags forming the Pheu Thai. Like Thaksins mess's prior to the 2006 required coup to clean out the trash, it will only be a matter of time before this lot implode with their greed and in fighting, and the Army will be needed to clean them out again.

Starting to agree with a few other posters in perhaps the wisest thing the Democrats did was not win this election. Sadly though it will be Thailand as a whole that is going to go through the whole process to nowhere again with this Red scum.

The self-mutilation of PT and Reds starts, the Dems can wait for a new chance, but they have to clean their own house first.

[fxe1200]

Each movement is but a layer of the onion supporting Thaksin.

All are expendable and infighting is not a problem for Thaksin who will of course arbitrate at end.

For the moment the red shirts are the used paper hankie, but no doubt will be kept in reserve as Thaksin's thug wing for when needed.

When the anti-Thaksin demonstrators eventually take to the streets, they will face the physical intimidation of the Red Shirt mobs. the violence will increase from then onwards. I feel a sneeze coming on .... Ahh-coup!

It is due anyhow, we had not have a coup since 2006, and the average in Thailand is 4 years and 4 months.

[badmedicine]

Do you really believe this will happen - jump on the "tedium" bandwaggon you may, but I think you will be disappointed when it doesn't happen as the situation is so different to before and not conducive to promoting a coup!!! Unless.......Yingluck attempts to bring her brother back when he's better of in a majority of people's minds being anywhere ELSE in the world rather than in Thailand as he raped it and ran for cover and people either knew this or are starting to appreciate it now. I don't think this will happen either as Yingluck is surely more savvy than this and must know that it will back fire big time should she attempt to make this happen!!!

    

You seem to be under the illusion that Little Sis has any say in how the country is run. Forget not who put her there and how she got there. Notice that all those Isaan MPs are flying to Dubai to negotiate for their position in the Pheua Thai cabinet. They're not hot-footing it down to BKK to talk to Yingy.

Edited July 7, 2011 by badmedicine

[badmedicine]

Thida, whose husband Weng is a Pheu Thai party-list MP-elect, warned that those doubting the suitability of elected red-shirt leaders harboured ill intentions towards the ruling Pheu Thai Party, as the red-shirt movement is one of the two legs of the party.

 

I'm glad I'm not the only one who's seeing analogies with Brown shirts and the Nazi party. The rhetoric here is truly scary. So sad that human beings don't learn from history.

Edited July 7, 2011 by badmedicine

[Siripon]

Do you really believe this will happen - jump on the "tedium" bandwaggon you may, but I think you will be disappointed when it doesn't happen as the situation is so different to before and not conducive to promoting a coup!!! Unless.......Yingluck attempts to bring her brother back when he's better of in a majority of people's minds being anywhere ELSE in the world rather than in Thailand as he raped it and ran for cover and people either knew this or are starting to appreciate it now. I don't think this will happen either as Yingluck is surely more savvy than this and must know that it will back fire big time should she attempt to make this happen!!!

You seem to be under the illusion that Little Sis has any say in how the country is run. Forget not who put her there and how she got there. Notice that all those Isaan MPs are flying to Dubai to negotiate for their position in the Pheua Thai cabinet. They're not hot-footing it down to BKK to talk to Yingy.

I wonder if Yingluk will start to feel humiliated when it becomes more and more apparent she is only a figurehead. It's one thing to say on the campaign trail that she's working for all Thais and her brother is only one of them, but when everyone knows she's not allowed to make any real decisions it must surely start to hurt.

Samak bristled at being called a puppet and tried to steer his own path for a while,we'll know Yingluk wants to resign when she starts her own paid cooking programme on television!

[gregb]

All that matters (and what I wonder) is whose side is Thaksin supporting?

Thaksin is old news now and will fade into history (sordid history) so I don't concur with you that it is at all to do with Thaksin now at all!!!

He won't be back in my opinion

While most of us would be overjoyed if this were the case, it is highly unlikely to be true. Thaksin is not a patient man, and despite what many would like to believe, everything is about Thaksin in the end. He is the demagogue and the leader. He has the charisma to control the masses and the factions within the PT and red shirts. That doesn't mean the factions don't pursue their personal agendas, but everyone bends to Thaksin's will in the end. If they don't, they get cast aside. Thaksin is ruthless, and there is no compromise on this.

Thaksin will try and come back. The PT will press for amnesty despite knowing what a bad idea it is. They will have no choice. The election has emboldened Thaksin to a degree not seen since the coup. When this does finally come to pass, I don't see any other possibility but to accept that civil war is imminent. There is nothing to stop it this time like there was in 2006. Thaksin is not a fool, but he is also not afraid of killing people to get his way. As long as he feels confident he can win the war, he will launch it.

I am trying to figure out long term plans to protect my family and my children. I hate to worry about this. I honestly feel their overall social and cultural development is best served by staying in Thailand. But I have no idea where the bullets are going to end up once they start flying. This last weekend has seen the probability of a civil war go from a theoretical construct to something that looks disgustingly real. Everyone should have a backup plan that they can enact quickly in the event the situation deteriorates.

I hope Thaksin stays away, but only a fool relies on hope. If he comes back, it will be accompanied by blood. That much I am sure of. This is what the Thai people selected though. They have nobody to blame but themselves if their children start dying. Let's hope they come to their senses and denounce Thaksin before it is too late.

[DumFarang]

All that matters (and what I wonder) is whose side is Thaksin supporting?

The side he's on! Whatever it may be.

[webfact]

Red-shirt Leader Admits Internal Rift

Red-shirt leader Nattawut Saikua has admitted a rift among the group's leadership. Meanwhile, another red-shirt leader Jatuporn Prompan is seeking the verification of his MP candidacy from the Election Commission for his bail request.

Jatuporn Prompan, a red shirt-leader currently held in prison, has attended a hearing for the defamation suit he filed against MP-elect Watchara Petchthong of the Democrat Party. Jatuporn appeared to be in a cheery mood and thanked those who voted for the Pheu Thai Party.

Winyat Chartmontri, legal adviser to the red-shirt group, said that later today, he will send a letter to the Election Commission, asking for certification of Jatuporn's MP candidacy, which will be included in his bail release request.

About the report that Arisman Pongruengrong, another fugitive red-shirt leader, is planning to turn himself in to authorities, Winyat said that Arisman has no such plan because he is still concerned about fairness in the judicial system.

Meanwhile, red-shirt leader Nattawut Saikua admitted that there is a rift among the group's leadership, particularly between Thida Thavornset and Chinawatra Haboonpad.

However, Nattawut believes this is common for any large organization and said the disagreement between the two has already been mediated.

Nattawut also urged outgoing Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban to accept the poll results and start focusing on his new duty in the Opposition in order to ensure the government's good performance.

The red-shirt leader said that Suthep should stop making negative comments about the Pheu Thai Party because despite being in power for more than two years, the Democrat Party still lost the election.

At the same time, red-shirt leader Thida said she did not expect any problem during the formation of the new government because the process is being closely watched by the public.

She said that the new government must be set up soon so that it can start solving the country's problems instead of having the Cabinet appointment delayed by an internal power struggle.

Thida also asked the Democrat Party to accept its defeat. She said it was abandoned by voters because the Democrat-led government has completely failed on economic, social and political issues.

The acting red-shirt president advised the Democrat Party to start evaluating itself rather than passing the blame on others.

-- Tan Network 2011-07-07

[DumFarang]

The red-shirts have a good chance of going the way of the yellow-shirts. Both organizations were formed for a singular purpose. Once the purpose is achieved (or the problem allieviated), they really have no reason to exist. They can try and find a cause, but this doesn't usually work well.

This has to do with group dynamics. Groups such as these have a short shelf-life. That can be reconstituted if need be, however.

This is not only logical but historically accurate as well. Political groups, military wings, social organizations, even entire armies have all been organized just to accomplish a goal and then a bunch of stunned people stand around slowly realizing they no longer have a purpose while the rug gets pulled out from beneath them by the puppet masters.

[DumFarang]

Each movement is but a layer of the onion supporting Thaksin.

All are expendable and infighting is not a problem for Thaksin who will of course arbitrate at end.

For the moment the red shirts are the used paper hankie, but no doubt will be kept in reserve as Thaksin's thug wing for when needed.

When the anti-Thaksin demonstrators eventually take to the streets, they will face the physical intimidation of the Red Shirt mobs. the violence will increase from then onwards. I feel a sneeze coming on .... Ahh-coup!

Do you really believe this will happen - jump on the "tedium" bandwaggon you may, but I think you will be disappointed when it doesn't happen as the situation is so different to before and not conducive to promoting a coup!!! Unless.......Yingluck attempts to bring her brother back when he's better of in a majority of people's minds being anywhere ELSE in the world rather than in Thailand as he raped it and ran for cover and people either knew this or are starting to appreciate it now.

I don't think this will happen either as Yingluck is surely more savvy than this and must know that it will back fire big time should she attempt to make this happen!!!

Then why re-open his case for review amongst "others?"

[PanzerJohn]

Spot on.All Thaksin needs is a silly little mostache.

Thida's supporter Worawut Wichaidit said the red shirts should act as shield for the Pheu Thai-led government which will, in turn, help them to overcome the legal issues.

The 'Brown shirts' comes to mind...

[DumFarang]

Pray tell how a "rift" "erupts"

It sounds a bit like the hole sticking up in the road.

It bubbles up and then splits apart.

[Scott]

One post which quotes a deleted post has been removed.

[DumFarang]

It's always difficult to make the blind see.

Or the deaf hear!!!!

Or the crippled walk!

Oh wait.

[ianbaggie]

It's always difficult to make the blind see.

Or the deaf hear!!!!

Or the crippled walk!

Oh wait.

or those without fingers to feel those little smoothy furry thingies that insulate the inside of metal doors.

[BigJohnnyBKK]

Thaksin is old news now and will fade into history (sordid history) so I don't concur with you that it is at all to do with Thaksin now at all!!!

He won't be back in my opinion as the Thai people (and army) don't want him back and will never accept the face of Thaksin again in Thailand as he has done damage enough to the country both directly and through besmirching it's reputation as a civilised country with his incitement of terrorist activities in trying to settle his personal vendetta with seemingly EVERYONE Thai!!

Do us all a favour and keep out of Thai politics and be happy with your criminally obtained billions.

what planet are you from

The *reason* the people gave PTP an absolute majority is that many of the *do* want Thaksin to return, and most likely to have his convictions go away and for him to re-take the helm.

What the yellows, the army and any other elements opposed to Thaksin want or don't want at this point is only relevant if they're willing to risk all-out civil war.

IMO if he's smart he'll pull the puppet strings from Dubai for a reasonable period of time, include genuine reconciliation gestures in PTS's policies, and work in a reasonable manner at a reasonable speed toward his rehabilitation, maybe in 2-3 years' time. But I'm afraid he'll likely push to hard and trigger a push-back, and we all can imagine where that's like to go, not toward stability and peace in the Kingdom.

But we'll just have to wait and see. . .

[DumFarang]

Thaksin is old news now and will fade into history (sordid history) so I don't concur with you that it is at all to do with Thaksin now at all!!!

He won't be back in my opinion as the Thai people (and army) don't want him back and will never accept the face of Thaksin again in Thailand as he has done damage enough to the country both directly and through besmirching it's reputation as a civilised country with his incitement of terrorist activities in trying to settle his personal vendetta with seemingly EVERYONE Thai!!

Do us all a favour and keep out of Thai politics and be happy with your criminally obtained billions.

what planet are you from

The *reason* the people gave PTP an absolute majority is that many of the *do* want Thaksin to return, and most likely to have his convictions go away and for him to re-take the helm.

What the yellows, the army and any other elements opposed to Thaksin want or don't want at this point is only relevant if they're willing to risk all-out civil war.

IMO if he's smart he'll pull the puppet strings from Dubai for a reasonable period of time, include genuine reconciliation gestures in PTS's policies, and work in a reasonable manner at a reasonable speed toward his rehabilitation, maybe in 2-3 years' time. But I'm afraid he'll likely push to hard and trigger a push-back, and we all can imagine where that's like to go, not toward stability and peace in the Kingdom.

But we'll just have to wait and see. . .

I also recall a little tale of one Osama Bin Laden who everyone assumed, if not dead, was still calling all the shots in Al Qaeda. As it turns out he was basically in exile and had correspondence with a messenger once a month or so, not exactly enough to run an international organization.

Of course it's different with Thaksin, but you never know. He may be less in control than everyone is assuming.

[SICHONSTEVE]

All that matters (and what I wonder) is whose side is Thaksin supporting?

Thaksin is old news now and will fade into history (sordid history) so I don't concur with you that it is at all to do with Thaksin now at all!!!

He won't be back in my opinion

While most of us would be overjoyed if this were the case, it is highly unlikely to be true. Thaksin is not a patient man, and despite what many would like to believe, everything is about Thaksin in the end. He is the demagogue and the leader. He has the charisma to control the masses and the factions within the PT and red shirts. That doesn't mean the factions don't pursue their personal agendas, but everyone bends to Thaksin's will in the end. If they don't, they get cast aside. Thaksin is ruthless, and there is no compromise on this.

Thaksin will try and come back. The PT will press for amnesty despite knowing what a bad idea it is. They will have no choice. The election has emboldened Thaksin to a degree not seen since the coup. When this does finally come to pass, I don't see any other possibility but to accept that civil war is imminent. There is nothing to stop it this time like there was in 2006. Thaksin is not a fool, but he is also not afraid of killing people to get his way. As long as he feels confident he can win the war, he will launch it.

I am trying to figure out long term plans to protect my family and my children. I hate to worry about this. I honestly feel their overall social and cultural development is best served by staying in Thailand. But I have no idea where the bullets are going to end up once they start flying. This last weekend has seen the probability of a civil war go from a theoretical construct to something that looks disgustingly real. Everyone should have a backup plan that they can enact quickly in the event the situation deteriorates.

I hope Thaksin stays away, but only a fool relies on hope. If he comes back, it will be accompanied by blood. That much I am sure of. This is what the Thai people selected though. They have nobody to blame but themselves if their children start dying. Let's hope they come to their senses and denounce Thaksin before it is too late.

Whenever you put "is" and "has" you should substitute these with"was" and "had". For some reason I think that Thaksin's invincibility, popularity, importance and any other attributes he held evaporated during the election when Yingluck came on the scene. His fall from grace sprung from something of his own doing, ironically!!!

The words on the "red shirts" lips and names on their banners that they waved around with flourish said YINGLUCK not THAKSIN!! They were not smiling for Thaksin were they. Who???? Oh how it must hurt for his adoring fans to have deserted him (for "baby spice" Yingluck as well)!!

I get the sneaky feeling that she will surprise a few people in how she negotiates the path that lies ahead - avoiding tripping over the obstacles placed in front of her with such grace and nimbleness. Bear in mind this comes from a loyal advocate of Abhisit who I still think would have made the best job of manoeuvring along the tricky road ahead, incidentally - but that's not to be and I feel less fearful now with Yingluck in charge (having cut her strings away) when she is installed as the first lady prime minister in Thailands history. Don't forget she batting for the ladies as well now so she will be determined to leave her stamp on the job without interference from her pesky has-been brother!!!!

Edited July 7, 2011 by SICHONSTEVE

[letitbe]

All that matters (and what I wonder) is whose side is Thaksin supporting?

Thaksin is old news now and will fade into history (sordid history) so I don't concur with you that it is at all to do with Thaksin now at all!!!

He won't be back in my opinion

While most of us would be overjoyed if this were the case, it is highly unlikely to be true. Thaksin is not a patient man, and despite what many would like to believe, everything is about Thaksin in the end. He is the demagogue and the leader. He has the charisma to control the masses and the factions within the PT and red shirts. That doesn't mean the factions don't pursue their personal agendas, but everyone bends to Thaksin's will in the end. If they don't, they get cast aside. Thaksin is ruthless, and there is no compromise on this.

Thaksin will try and come back. The PT will press for amnesty despite knowing what a bad idea it is. They will have no choice. The election has emboldened Thaksin to a degree not seen since the coup. When this does finally come to pass, I don't see any other possibility but to accept that civil war is imminent. There is nothing to stop it this time like there was in 2006. Thaksin is not a fool, but he is also not afraid of killing people to get his way. As long as he feels confident he can win the war, he will launch it.

I am trying to figure out long term plans to protect my family and my children. I hate to worry about this. I honestly feel their overall social and cultural development is best served by staying in Thailand. But I have no idea where the bullets are going to end up once they start flying. This last weekend has seen the probability of a civil war go from a theoretical construct to something that looks disgustingly real. Everyone should have a backup plan that they can enact quickly in the event the situation deteriorates.

I hope Thaksin stays away, but only a fool relies on hope. If he comes back, it will be accompanied by blood. That much I am sure of. This is what the Thai people selected though. They have nobody to blame but themselves if their children start dying. Let's hope they come to their senses and denounce Thaksin before it is too late.

thats absolutely what ive been saying for a long time before the result when writing was on the wall. I started our exit strategy and plan in ernest a few weeks before the election. I had in my mind made plans ever since red thugs went on rampage last year. It is sad and id prefer our 2 children could stay here and I still hope and believe chances are it wont get as bad as it might. Those who dont see that it could are deluded or simply stupid or dont care because they have nothing here. Ive accelerated our selling of what assets can be sold and got a lot out already. I wont be able to sensibly get it all out since a lot is land and business and of course our homes. If and its still an if the worst happens I will have to leave what we have left here to fate. I think theirs a few years yet before Taksin can get a total stranglehold on it all and as time progress's signs will become more and more sure even to most dim witted forang red supporter or/and Taksin supporter. However many jews who could have got out stayed in Germany until to late. Whites in Rodesia stayed until it was to late and cambodians who could have got out before killing fields stayed when it must have been obvious. People and im one never believe it can be that bad until its right in their face. I doubt it will get anywhere as bad as examples ive given and I still think it probably wont end up in total civil war at least not for a number of years. As ive said a lot of my money has already packed its bags and gone. The rest is waiting in line impatiently to pack and go. Some of it has to stay but are being brave about it. I still have hope the Army would stop all out war but only for a few years more. My family will almost certainly be OK whatever its very sad that millions could suffer and at worse die just for sake of 1 evil nasty bastard.

[dingding]

the blind leading the blind

And it's curtains for all of us.

Doomed I say Doomed hahahaha

[MunterHunter]

Nattawut also urged outgoing Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban to accept the poll results and start focusing on his new duty in the Opposition in order to ensure the government's good performance.

The red-shirt leader said that Suthep should stop making negative comments about the Pheu Thai Party because despite being in power for more than two years, the Democrat Party still lost the election.

Wasnt that the Red Shirt's entire tactic against Suthep and Abhisit during the protests/riots?

Do as we say, not as we do...

[badmedicine]

Meanwhile, red-shirt leader Nattawut Saikua admitted that there is a rift among the group's leadership, particularly between Thida Thavornset and Chinawatra Haboonpad.

However, Nattawut believes this is common for any large organization and said the disagreement between the two has already been mediated.

No prizes for guessing the name or current Middle Eastern country of residence of that particular mediator.

[SICHONSTEVE]

Thaksin is old news now and will fade into history (sordid history) so I don't concur with you that it is at all to do with Thaksin now at all!!!

He won't be back in my opinion as the Thai people (and army) don't want him back and will never accept the face of Thaksin again in Thailand as he has done damage enough to the country both directly and through besmirching it's reputation as a civilised country with his incitement of terrorist activities in trying to settle his personal vendetta with seemingly EVERYONE Thai!!

Do us all a favour and keep out of Thai politics and be happy with your criminally obtained billions.

what planet are you from

The *reason* the people gave PTP an absolute majority is that many of the *do* want Thaksin to return, and most likely to have his convictions go away and for him to re-take the helm.

What the yellows, the army and any other elements opposed to Thaksin want or don't want at this point is only relevant if they're willing to risk all-out civil war.

IMO if he's smart he'll pull the puppet strings from Dubai for a reasonable period of time, include genuine reconciliation gestures in PTS's policies, and work in a reasonable manner at a reasonable speed toward his rehabilitation, maybe in 2-3 years' time. But I'm afraid he'll likely push to hard and trigger a push-back, and we all can imagine where that's like to go, not toward stability and peace in the Kingdom.

But we'll just have to wait and see. . .

I agree, wait and see!!!

[Ninathan]

"Red shirt people" They care nothing about Thailand. They want only who can give money to them.

[SICHONSTEVE]

Thaksin is old news now and will fade into history (sordid history) so I don't concur with you that it is at all to do with Thaksin now at all!!!

He won't be back in my opinion as the Thai people (and army) don't want him back and will never accept the face of Thaksin again in Thailand as he has done damage enough to the country both directly and through besmirching it's reputation as a civilised country with his incitement of terrorist activities in trying to settle his personal vendetta with seemingly EVERYONE Thai!!

Do us all a favour and keep out of Thai politics and be happy with your criminally obtained billions.

what planet are you from

The *reason* the people gave PTP an absolute majority is that many of the *do* want Thaksin to return, and most likely to have his convictions go away and for him to re-take the helm.

What the yellows, the army and any other elements opposed to Thaksin want or don't want at this point is only relevant if they're willing to risk all-out civil war.

IMO if he's smart he'll pull the puppet strings from Dubai for a reasonable period of time, include genuine reconciliation gestures in PTS's policies, and work in a reasonable manner at a reasonable speed toward his rehabilitation, maybe in 2-3 years' time. But I'm afraid he'll likely push to hard and trigger a push-back, and we all can imagine where that's like to go, not toward stability and peace in the Kingdom.

But we'll just have to wait and see. . .

I also recall a little tale of one Osama Bin Laden who everyone assumed, if not dead, was still calling all the shots in Al Qaeda. As it turns out he was basically in exile and had correspondence with a messenger once a month or so, not exactly enough to run an international organization.

Of course it's different with Thaksin, but you never know. He may be less in control than everyone is assuming.

Right!!!!! Precisely what I'm trying to get over. He has lost control of the situation to a large extent and now he is at a loss at what to do about it as his sister is clearly revelling in the limelight with all that atttention and adulation she is getting and she will find this impossible to give up - even

with her brother crying pitifully in her ear that it was HIS idea. After all what right has he (as a convicted criminal) to command and demand what the prime minister of Thailand does when she will be the one getting all the criticism if she is forced to do something that the population doesn't like (such as bringing him back to Thailand)!!!! After all she is in the highest office in Thailand now and is responsible to the people in her decisions and actions, not the goblin parasite that is her brother.

[SICHONSTEVE]

Meanwhile, red-shirt leader Nattawut Saikua admitted that there is a rift among the group's leadership, particularly between Thida Thavornset and Chinawatra Haboonpad.

However, Nattawut believes this is common for any large organization and said the disagreement between the two has already been mediated.

No prizes for guessing the name or current Middle Eastern country of residence of that particular mediator.

"However, Nattawut believes this is common for any large organization and said the disagreement between the two has already been mediated".

Mediated!!! so not resoved then I take it!!!

[badmedicine]

Right!!!!! Precisely what I'm trying to get over. He has lost control of the situation

Have you not seen all the stories about Peau Thai MPs flying to Dubai to get Thaksin's endorsement? How come they're not knocking on Yingluck's door? You also seem to be underestimating family pecking-order. The nong's always answer to the pii's in this country, don't you know that?

[badmedicine]

Mediated!!! so not resoved then I take it!!!

I think the operative words here are the tense: has been (not is being).

[letitbe]

Thaksin is old news now and will fade into history (sordid history) so I don't concur with you that it is at all to do with Thaksin now at all!!!

He won't be back in my opinion as the Thai people (and army) don't want him back and will never accept the face of Thaksin again in Thailand as he has done damage enough to the country both directly and through besmirching it's reputation as a civilised country with his incitement of terrorist activities in trying to settle his personal vendetta with seemingly EVERYONE Thai!!

Do us all a favour and keep out of Thai politics and be happy with your criminally obtained billions.

what planet are you from

The *reason* the people gave PTP an absolute majority is that many of the *do* want Thaksin to return, and most likely to have his convictions go away and for him to re-take the helm.

What the yellows, the army and any other elements opposed to Thaksin want or don't want at this point is only relevant if they're willing to risk all-out civil war.

IMO if he's smart he'll pull the puppet strings from Dubai for a reasonable period of time, include genuine reconciliation gestures in PTS's policies, and work in a reasonable manner at a reasonable speed toward his rehabilitation, maybe in 2-3 years' time. But I'm afraid he'll likely push to hard and trigger a push-back, and we all can imagine where that's like to go, not toward stability and peace in the Kingdom.

But we'll just have to wait and see. . .

I also recall a little tale of one Osama Bin Laden who everyone assumed, if not dead, was still calling all the shots in Al Qaeda. As it turns out he was basically in exile and had correspondence with a messenger once a month or so, not exactly enough to run an international organization.

Of course it's different with Thaksin, but you never know. He may be less in control than everyone is assuming.

Right!!!!! Precisely what I'm trying to get over. He has lost control of the situation to a large extent and now he is at a loss at what to do about it as his sister is clearly revelling in the limelight with all that atttention and adulation she is getting and she will find this impossible to give up - even

with her brother crying pitifully in her ear that it was HIS idea. After all what right has he (as a convicted criminal) to command and demand what the prime minister of Thailand does when she will be the one getting all the criticism if she is forced to do something that the population doesn't like (such as bringing him back to Thailand)!!!! After all she is in the highest office in Thailand now and is responsible to the people in her decisions and actions, not the goblin parasite that is her brother.

you deluded naive people make me laugh pull the other one hell be back by year end and little sis will be gone within 1 year