I'll Pick My Own Cabinet: Yingluck

[webfact]

Big boss gives Yingluck free hands to select Cabinet members: Kwanchai

The 'big boss' has given free hands to prime minister-in-waiting Yingluck Shinawatra to select her Cabinet members, a red-shirt leader said Monday.

Kwanchai Praiphana, the chairman of the Love Udon Club, said he has visited former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra in Dubai and Thaksin told him that he would give a chance to Yingluck to show his leadership by forming her own Cabinet.

Kwanchai said Thaksin expressed confidence that Yingluck would appoint the right persons to the right positions on the Cabinet.

-- The Nation 2011-07-25

[siampolee]

Kwanchai Praiphana, the chairman of the Love Udon Club, said he has visited former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra in Dubai and Thaksin told him that he would give a chance to Yingluck to show his leadership by forming her own Cabinet.

Thaksin told him that he would give a chance to Yingluck to show his leadership by forming her own Cabinet.

Perchance a Freudian slip?

[473geo]

Why does she think she needs to say this very two days?

Could be there are clowns on forums, and in the opposition, who insist on trying to discredit her government performance.................before the government is formed..... .........and guess what....... they try this every day........sad isn't it

Edited July 25, 2011 by 473geo

[Siripon]

What interests many Thais at the moment is Yingluk's reluctance to comment on many issues.

People are wondering if she's giving great consideration to the questions before replying or if she has no answer!

I guess we will soon know.

[SomTumTiger]

I don't mind if Thaksin picks the cabinet. The only thing i require of Yingluck is to wear a few tight blouses and bend over to pick up dropped articles, often. Frankly, that's all the Thai voters require from her too, lol.

[webfact]

Thaksin vows not to meddle in Yingluck’s cabinet formation

BANGKOK, 26 July 2011 (NNT) – Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has pledged to allow his sister and incoming premier Yingluck Shinawatra to form the cabinet by herself while saying there will be no phone-ins on his birthday.

Head of the We Love Udon group and core leader of the United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) Kwanchai Praipana disclosed that he recently traveled to Dubai, United Arab Emirates, to meet Mr Thaksin. He said during their three-hour discussion the former Prime Minister expressed no concerns over the cabinet lineup under Ms Yingluck’s administration and gave his word that he would not intervene in the appointment process. Mr Thaksin explained that he wished to give his younger sister a chance to show her leadership and prove her capability for the top job.

In the meantime, the ex-premier reminded Labor Minister-designate Jarupong Ruangsuwan and Natural Resources and Environment Minister-designate Plodprasop Suraswadi to study their responsibilities beforehand, adding that Ms Yingluck should also check on all incoming ministers to make sure that they were ready for their duties.

Despite his 62nd birthday anniversary today, Mr Thaksin insisted that he would not make any phone-in talk to his supporters in a bid to prevent controversy and allow for national reconciliation. He said he would only make merit with his family in Europe while warning the UDD to be prudent with its movements during this period as the group could easily come under fire from the opposite side.

-- NNT 2011-07-26

[SomTumTiger]

One thing I have learned following Thai politics. Whenever a Thai politician says something - turn the meaning to the opposite, and you most likely arrive at the truth.

I did not meet with Thaksin (means) I did meet with Thaksin

We did not discuss politics (means) We did discuss politics

I did not have sexual relations with that woman (means)....well, etc etc etc

[473geo]

I don't mind if Thaksin picks the cabinet. The only thing i require of Yingluck is to wear a few tight blouses and bend over to pick up dropped articles, often. Frankly, that's all the Thai voters require from her too, lol.

Maybe Abhisit should have given the tight blouse and skirt a try......after all the Dems tried just about every other tactic and failed to get elected........

[DocHolliday]

I wonder if Mrs. Yingluck has ever made ​​a constructive statement on future policy. Twisting like an eel and changing direction like a weathercock

[webfact]

Yingluck: Foreign Minister to be Chosen on Ability

The prime minister to-be reiterates that the next foreign minister must have a thorough knowledge of international relations and strong diplomatic skills.

She insists that the Pheu Thai party is attempting to strengthen international ties.

Pheu Thai PM to-be, Yingluck Shinnawatra, said that the next Foreign Minister must have strong international knowledge, along with diplomatic skills, as Pheu Thai Party aims to increase international cooperation.

She insists her party will appoint someone to the post based on ability. Consequently, it is not necessary that the next foreign minister comes from the Pheu Thai Party.

Yingluck expressed confidence that Pheu Thai Party could implement every project it promised during the campaign, with the cooperation of the bureau.

Meanwhile, she pledges to wisely administer all government expenditures.

Regarding the annual budget, she insists that Pheu Thai Party will not abolish the previous government's projects.

And additionally, they will implement projects that will stimulate the country' economy.

However, she did say that some projects have to be adjusted in order to improve their effectiveness.

-- Tan Network 2011-07-26

[animatic]

Why does she think she needs to say this very two days?

Could be there are clowns on forums, and in the opposition, who insist on trying to discredit her government performance.................before the government is formed..... .........and guess what....... they try this every day........sad isn't it

What government performance?

Or are you being ironic?

...

...

...

Oh wait, you don't do irony.

Edited July 26, 2011 by animatic

[animatic]

Yingluck: Foreign Minister to be Chosen on Ability

The prime minister to-be reiterates that the next foreign minister must have a thorough knowledge of international relations and strong diplomatic skills.

She insists that the Pheu Thai party is attempting to strengthen international ties.

Pheu Thai PM to-be, Yingluck Shinnawatra, said that the next Foreign Minister must have strong international knowledge, along with diplomatic skills, as Pheu Thai Party aims to increase international cooperation.

She insists her party will appoint someone to the post based on ability. Consequently, it is not necessary that the next foreign minister comes from the Pheu Thai Party.

Yingluck expressed confidence that Pheu Thai Party could implement every project it promised during the campaign, with the cooperation of the bureau.

Meanwhile, she pledges to wisely administer all government expenditures.

Regarding the annual budget, she insists that Pheu Thai Party will not abolish the previous government's projects.

And additionally, they will implement projects that will stimulate the country' economy.

However, she did say that some projects have to be adjusted in order to improve their effectiveness.

-- Tan Network 2011-07-26

Oh, like Noppadom did as FM for Samak?

[473geo]

Why does she think she needs to say this very two days?

Could be there are clowns on forums, and in the opposition, who insist on trying to discredit her government performance.................before the government is formed..... .........and guess what....... they try this every day........sad isn't it

What government performance?

Or are you being ironic?

...

...

...

Oh wait, you don't do irony.

Is there a cure for word blindness?.....do try hard to find one for yourself........might aleviate some of your anger and confusion.....

[hammered]

Lets judge the cabinet on who is int it and more importantly how it performs. Who is involved in setting it up is irrelevant. We are talking about governing a country here.

Lets also not forget that the last cabinet was set up at least partly by those involved in a coup and banned polticians, and yet it is remembered not for that but for including several clearly unqualified people, cabinet infighting and general poor performance. Lets use the same criteria for this cabinet and to be honest it doesnt have to achieve much to be better than the last one although lets actually hope they set their standards higher.

[samran]

Chuwit in parliament....this is going to be fun!

Especially if he is sitting next to Purachai.

and a couple of rows down from our (soon to be) doormat of a Prime Minister.

[looping]

Quite simply, the only CABINET she'll ever pick all by herself is an item of FURNITURE, although I'm sure she can do an even better job with some help from her interior designer.

When they discover Thaksin picked the cabinet this could be her story... "I was referring to my wardrobe"

[webfact]

PM-to-be Denies Thaksin's Role in Forming Cabinet

The Pheu Thai prime ministerial candidate has rejected a speculation that the Cabinet line-up is being decided by the ousted former prime minister.

She insists the matter is being reviewed by the party executive board and does not expect the line-up to be finalized by the end of this month.

Pheu Thai prime ministerial candidate Yingluck Shinawatra is unable to wish her brother, former PM Thaksin Shinawatra, a happy birthday in person.

She said she wished her brother happiness and good health on the occasion of his 62nd birthday.

Thailand's first female prime minister-to-be stressed that the line-up of the first Pheu Thai Cabinet is being vetted by the party's executive panel.

Widespread speculations are being made on the line-up of Yingluck's first Cabinet when one of the key red-shirt leaders revealed that the allocation of two Cabinet portfolios have been finalized.

After his visit with Thaksin overseas, red-shirt leader Kwanchai Praipana surprised the media by revealing that Jarupong Ruengsuwan will take up the post of labor minister while Plodprasob Suraswadi will be given the environment minister post.

Kwanchai also said Siam Commercial Bank's executive chairman Wichit Surapongchai could be offered the finance portfolio.

Yingluck insisted her brother is not involved in the allocation of the Cabinet line-up.

She also insisted no seats have been finalized while saying that party and coalition members will be considered for ministerial posts before 'outsiders'.

She noted the line-up will not be finalized by the end of this month as the Election Commission has not finished endorsing all of the 475 MP-elects.

Pheu Thai party held an orientation session for the party's first-time MPs.

The new MP-elects were briefed on their expectations as MPs and party members.

They will be required to attend the party's weekly meetings where they will be able to bring concerns expressed by their constituencies to the attention of the party.

Yingluck is also expected to travel to Lop Buri Province to attend the funeral of Channel 5 cameraman Sornwichai Kongtunnikul, who died in the Black Hawk helicopter crash last week.

-- Tan Network 2011-07-26

[steveromagnino]

[i don't think people have a problem with Yingluck, its her brother that they have the problem with.

All the Yingluck bashing will stop when she puts dear brother in prison and shows he does not influence her decisions and she upholds the law as one of the cornerstones of her administration.

The only issue is that Yingluck has zero experience in public office, and therefore we all expect she will be influenced by someone, given that she has no experience of her own to call on.

She would never have been elected had she not been Thaksin's sister, and a fair portion of the Thai electorate believe that she SHOULD listen only to what her brother says, having a strong held belief that the brother is completely innocent. No doubt helped by the many millions spent on PR, media and campaigning to claim such a thing.

Many people also believe that smoking doesn't cause any damage, or that they are personally immune to the damage in the statistics, so it isn't unique to believe in the impossible.

So now we see an interesting breakdown where she is considered inept if she listens to her brother and considered ill mannered and a liar if she doesn't.

So...it's pretty simple for PR. Obviously, privately she will listen and publically will claim she didn't.

A major non event in other words.

Putting together the cabinet will be the same as every other TRT cabinet; factions get their just rewards; business families take the backseat and pull the strings to run a crony capitalism system and everyone shares in a significant skim. Only difference may be less meddling in the military affairs; ironically one of the few things that PT said which was probably true; that military spending was allowed to run amok in the last 2 years. No doubt PT will do nothing to stem the flow, and also spend a bunch of money on dumb stuff (increasing minimum wage; crop pledging; introducing 30b healthcare again; loads of self praising advertising using public money; numerous 'studies' on damming/opening/reclaiming/fixing/introducing/removing stuff).

It's business as usual folks.

She could do anything and the red shirts would gobble it up no problem. That last name and that smile are like a get out of jail free card. The only issue is that some of the red shirt leaders are, to describe them frankly, publicity whores. They will say and claim anything to stay front of mind, front of the queue to collect money/power/jobs/adoration and right now, instead of being upfront, they are a little out to one side.

While they are happy to be on the right side, they still want to matter, and for that reason, we have leaks and slightly off message commentary from the cheap seats for now as we see in this thread above (leaks as to fixed positions). In this respect, they are basically no different to almost any other politicians, except now the long game begins (which is IMHO 12 months of policy, effort and hard work; snap election to bring back and capitalise on the 111 banned coming back; then amnesty.....) So you don't want off message especially from a group which no longer matters.

Edited July 26, 2011 by steveromagnino

[metisdead]

A post with derogatory references to Thais has been removed as well at the replies to that post.

Additionally, some off topic posts and replies about furniture have been removed.

Edited July 26, 2011 by metisdead
Additional comment added.

[cup-O-coffee]

I think you misunderstand what I am saying. I have no love for either PTP or the Dems. (that's just comparing sh*t with cr*p)

As a matter of principle it is wrong to allow a criminal to become involved in the formation of the government. For me the government needs to uphold the ideals and principles which it seeks it citizens to have [and respect for the rule of law must be one of those principles]. If (as you suggest) they take advice from criminals on the basis of it being 'good advice' and therefore acceptable you are leading your own people down a very rocky road by setting a very bad example.

Do you think it is a principled, ethical and moral thing to do to take advice from a criminal? If you do think it is acceptable, then at what stage does it become unacceptable? How far down that road must you travel?

For me it seems a no brainer - It's a Yes / No answer.

Any government which throws aside the basic cultural and social values is morally corrupt from the start. Is that the role model we seek for our children?

Edit - Thailand needs a fresh start, but this fingering by taskin is picking at the scab of the past.

At jonclark: Mr. Thaksin is an intelligent human being, who does have a record of progressive improvements to Thailand's economic and social welfare, regardless of whether you wish to focus on that. It seems clear that your contribution to what is a reality would rather take that reality and shove it backwards using a law that also provides the ruling powers to overturn as an eventuality. Add to that any distinct possibility of a pardon and you will be in a tight place and not able to comment against that.

The people have spoken. The PM gets to chose her cabinet. That is the letter of the law. As the newly elected PM, she also gets to use her powers to look into any suspected wrongdoing of the past, and overturn anything through the means of the letter of the law that you righteously quote. That is the beauty of it all, and yet it is also the bane of it all for those who don't like to play nice.

I understand your comments above, but they simply do not make any sense outside of your own personal views. The same goes for me. The current law that you refer to will eventually change. Will you accept that, or will you become a law breaker, or a protestor of the law, much like someone we all describe. And where will your credibility be then?

As I have observed just about every kind of sick and childish remark against Mr. Thaksin, it is my opinion that people need to face up to the facts of the times. As long as you live here, you are condoning the laws of the Kingdom; to abide by them them no matter how they turn, or to nobly depart from this land as a suggestion, and as a form of silent protest.

So I ask the inevitable certainty that haunts all the Thaksin hater's minds; will you in fact obey the laws and respect the laws and cease and desist in your character assassinations of Mr. Thaksin in the event he is vindicated using the very laws you gleefully and childishly ascribe against him at present? Hint: There is only one legally correct answer for anyone, including any who senselessly rage on about this man.

To the mods: I had to delete some quotes from this original post because I couldn't post without doing so. I selected jonclark's post, respectfully. If I did wrong, then I apologize and will delete this post haste.

Edited July 26, 2011 by cup-O-coffee

[webfact]

Yingluck, Yongyuth get power to select political leaders

Pheu Thai Party's prime minister-to-be Yingluck Shinawatra and party leader Yongyuth Wichaidit will have the final say in selecting the party's political appointees.

Party spokesman Prompong Nopparit said Tuesday that the Pheu Thai executive board resolved to empower Yingluck and Yongyuth to choose persons for the posts of House speaker, deputy speakers, chairpersons of House committees, prime minister, Cabinet members, ministerial advisers and secretaries, and other political positions.

Pheu Thai had insisted that fugitive ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra, who had earlier described his sister Yingluck as "my clone", had no influence in selecting people for a new Cabinet.

-- The Nation 2011-07-26

[Sao Jiang Mai]

personally can't stand all this Yingluk-bashing - she won the election get over it

I agree with that and it isnt as though the last cabinet was put together in a smooth manner. It is was full of unqualified people pushed in by overly powerful small parties who couldnt work together and the Dems managed to dagger each other in the back with leaks of corruption in early days to get factional advantage. It was all done in a truly horrible manner. Will the PTP cabinet formation be any worse or will it go smoother and involve less laughable unqualified choices?

I don't think people have a problem with Yingluck, its her brother that they have the problem with. A criminal dictating who should get the seats of power in government. Or do you agree with the principle that Taksin should have a hand in the direction of the country, It's no good saying 'get over it' because it's hard to get over something that is morally and ethically wrong and many people simply won't jump on the band wagon or buy into this just because PTP won the election.

(But, you are correct, the Dems were just as shoddy in their cabinet formation, but copying their pathetic performance is hardly praiseworthy is it? )

All the Yingluck bashing will stop when she puts dear brother in prison and shows he does not influence her decisions and she upholds the law as one of the cornerstones of her administration.

When you talk of the people having a problem with Thaksin, I would be interested in knowing what people you are reffering to considering basically everyone knows PTP is his party and a huge proportion of their voters would happily have him involved in anything. I am not saying it is right but just political reality. Thailand needs a good cabinet and actually whoever gives advice on its formation becomes irrelevant if it is good as far as I can see after all wasnt a banned poltico plus people involved in carrying out a coup heavily involved in the last cabinet formation, so it that doesnt seem to be a relevant standard.

Coups are also morally and ethically wrong, so surely anyone involved in those should face at least what Thaksin does? Certainly the main party that ignored and benefited from the coup has been roundly rejected by the people at the ballot box as have the small parties that also benefited from it.

Just my opinion, but I presume he is referring to myself and every other Thai person, the majority that is, who DID NOT vote Pheu Thai. I respect those who voted for them, and they won by a significant margin, but that does not mean that the actual majority of voters in this country did indeed vote for Thaksin. We are also Thai and our opinion also matters. Coups are indeed morally and ethically wrong, as were the shenanigans of Thaksin Shinawatra and his clan. Two wrongs does not make a right. We are now in opposition and our job is to question the government, or do you think that we should all just roll over and let them do whatever they want to do? Come on, this is democracy. When you were in opposition you had every right to criticise and question the government, do we not get the right to do the same? I am getting quite tired of the farang on this forum who declare that the Thais have voted and everyone should shut up. Yes we voted, they won, and we will still question their behaviour if we deem it unfit. Fair nuff?

Edited July 26, 2011 by Sao Jiang Mai

[Sao Jiang Mai]

I think you misunderstand what I am saying. I have no love for either PTP or the Dems. (that's just comparing sh*t with cr*p)

As a matter of principle it is wrong to allow a criminal to become involved in the formation of the government. For me the government needs to uphold the ideals and principles which it seeks it citizens to have [and respect for the rule of law must be one of those principles]. If (as you suggest) they take advice from criminals on the basis of it being 'good advice' and therefore acceptable you are leading your own people down a very rocky road by setting a very bad example.

Do you think it is a principled, ethical and moral thing to do to take advice from a criminal? If you do think it is acceptable, then at what stage does it become unacceptable? How far down that road must you travel?

For me it seems a no brainer - It's a Yes / No answer.

Any government which throws aside the basic cultural and social values is morally corrupt from the start. Is that the role model we seek for our children?

Edit - Thailand needs a fresh start, but this fingering by taskin is picking at the scab of the past.

At jonclark: Mr. Thaksin is an intelligent human being, who does have a record of progressive improvements to Thailand's economic and social welfare, regardless of whether you wish to focus on that. It seems clear that your contribution to what is a reality would rather take that reality and shove it backwards using a law that also provides the ruling powers to overturn as an eventuality. Add to that any distinct possibility of a pardon and you will be in a tight place and not able to comment against that.

The people have spoken. The PM gets to chose her cabinet. That is the letter of the law. As the newly elected PM, she also gets to use her powers to look into any suspected wrongdoing of the past, and overturn anything through the means of the letter of the law that you righteously quote. That is the beauty of it all, and yet it is also the bane of it all for those who don't like to play nice.

I understand your comments above, but they simply do not make any sense outside of your own personal views. The same goes for me. The current law that you refer to will eventually change. Will you accept that, or will you become a law breaker, or a protestor of the law, much like someone we all describe. And where will your credibility be then?

As I have observed just about every kind of sick and childish remark against Mr. Thaksin, it is my opinion that people need to face up to the facts of the times. As long as you live here, you are condoning the laws of the Kingdom; to abide by them them no matter how they turn, or to nobly depart from this land as a suggestion, and as a form of silent protest.

So I ask the inevitable certainty that haunts all the Thaksin hater's minds; will you in fact obey the laws and respect the laws and cease and desist in your character assassinations of Mr. Thaksin in the event he is vindicated using the very laws you gleefully and childishly ascribe against him at present? Hint: There is only one legally correct answer for anyone, including any who senselessly rage on about this man.

To the mods: I had to delete some quotes from this original post because I couldn't post without doing so. I selected jonclark's post, respectfully. If I did wrong, then I apologize and will delete this post haste.

And to your last question, if Thaksin was indeed innocent of his accused deeds (which of course he is not, he did sign the document, it was illegal of him to do so while in his position of PM, and by signing it, was correctly punished) then of course I obey the letter of the law. Explain to me how he was not wrong? My question to you is why should he be above the law? I don't understand your question, he broke the law, what is there to change? The law itself? I have a deep dislike of Thaksin, have done so for 11 odd years, that is based on my deep dislike of his behaviour and disregard of the law. So, I do find it rather ironic that you are using the law, which he regularly broke, to defend him.

[cup-O-coffee]

Just my opinion, but I presume he is referring to myself and every other Thai person, the majority that is, who DID NOT vote Pheu Thai. I respect those who voted for them, and they won by a significant margin, but that does not mean that the actual majority of voters in this country did indeed vote for Thaksin. We are also Thai and our opinion also matters. Coups are indeed morally and ethically wrong, as were the shenanigans of Thaksin Shinawatra and his clan. Two wrongs does not make a right. We are now in opposition and our job is to question the government, or do you think that we should all just roll over and let them do whatever they want to do? Come on, this is democracy. When you were in opposition you had every right to criticise and question the government, do we not get the right to do the same? I am getting quite tired of the farang on this forum who declare that the Thais have voted and everyone should shut up. Yes we voted, they won, and we will still question their behaviour if we deem it unfit. Fair nuff?

I for one say absolutely fair enough. I wish you all the best. I hope you do not hurt any people in the process of protesting, though. Good for you for sticking up for your rights.

[huanga]

Yingluck: Foreign Minister to be Chosen on Ability

The prime minister to-be reiterates that the next foreign minister must have a thorough knowledge of international relations and strong diplomatic skills.

She insists that the Pheu Thai party is attempting to strengthen international ties.

Pheu Thai PM to-be, Yingluck Shinnawatra, said that the next Foreign Minister must have strong international knowledge, along with diplomatic skills, as Pheu Thai Party aims to increase international cooperation.

She insists her party will appoint someone to the post based on ability. Consequently, it is not necessary that the next foreign minister comes from the Pheu Thai Party.

Yingluck expressed confidence that Pheu Thai Party could implement every project it promised during the campaign, with the cooperation of the bureau.

Meanwhile, she pledges to wisely administer all government expenditures.

Regarding the annual budget, she insists that Pheu Thai Party will not abolish the previous government's projects.

And additionally, they will implement projects that will stimulate the country' economy.

However, she did say that some projects have to be adjusted in order to improve their effectiveness.

-- Tan Network 2011-07-26

Well, I certainly hope so. And I also hope other cabinet positions are also chosen by abilities and past accomplishments. But I guess that will be difficult, considering herself not having any past credentials as a public servant but got elected!

I just wished that she could discuss topics with more insight and foresight and not just superficially.

[cup-O-coffee]

I think you misunderstand what I am saying. I have no love for either PTP or the Dems. (that's just comparing sh*t with cr*p)

As a matter of principle it is wrong to allow a criminal to become involved in the formation of the government. For me the government needs to uphold the ideals and principles which it seeks it citizens to have [and respect for the rule of law must be one of those principles]. If (as you suggest) they take advice from criminals on the basis of it being 'good advice' and therefore acceptable you are leading your own people down a very rocky road by setting a very bad example.

Do you think it is a principled, ethical and moral thing to do to take advice from a criminal? If you do think it is acceptable, then at what stage does it become unacceptable? How far down that road must you travel?

For me it seems a no brainer - It's a Yes / No answer.

Any government which throws aside the basic cultural and social values is morally corrupt from the start. Is that the role model we seek for our children?

Edit - Thailand needs a fresh start, but this fingering by taskin is picking at the scab of the past.

At jonclark: Mr. Thaksin is an intelligent human being, who does have a record of progressive improvements to Thailand's economic and social welfare, regardless of whether you wish to focus on that. It seems clear that your contribution to what is a reality would rather take that reality and shove it backwards using a law that also provides the ruling powers to overturn as an eventuality. Add to that any distinct possibility of a pardon and you will be in a tight place and not able to comment against that.

The people have spoken. The PM gets to chose her cabinet. That is the letter of the law. As the newly elected PM, she also gets to use her powers to look into any suspected wrongdoing of the past, and overturn anything through the means of the letter of the law that you righteously quote. That is the beauty of it all, and yet it is also the bane of it all for those who don't like to play nice.

I understand your comments above, but they simply do not make any sense outside of your own personal views. The same goes for me. The current law that you refer to will eventually change. Will you accept that, or will you become a law breaker, or a protestor of the law, much like someone we all describe. And where will your credibility be then?

As I have observed just about every kind of sick and childish remark against Mr. Thaksin, it is my opinion that people need to face up to the facts of the times. As long as you live here, you are condoning the laws of the Kingdom; to abide by them them no matter how they turn, or to nobly depart from this land as a suggestion, and as a form of silent protest.

So I ask the inevitable certainty that haunts all the Thaksin hater's minds; will you in fact obey the laws and respect the laws and cease and desist in your character assassinations of Mr. Thaksin in the event he is vindicated using the very laws you gleefully and childishly ascribe against him at present? Hint: There is only one legally correct answer for anyone, including any who senselessly rage on about this man.

To the mods: I had to delete some quotes from this original post because I couldn't post without doing so. I selected jonclark's post, respectfully. If I did wrong, then I apologize and will delete this post haste.

And to your last question, if Thaksin was indeed innocent of his accused deeds (which of course he is not, he did sign the document, it was illegal of him to do so while in his position of PM, and by signing it, was correctly punished) then of course I obey the letter of the law. Explain to me how he was not wrong? My question to you is why should he be above the law? I don't understand your question, he broke the law, what is there to change? The law itself? I have a deep dislike of Thaksin, have done so for 11 odd years, that is based on my deep dislike of his behaviour and disregard of the law. So, I do find it rather ironic that you are using the law, which he regularly broke, to defend him.

Maybe because the law you describe is an ideal that no one can live up to. Maybe because there were times in your life you did something and had to take it back based upon some principles you were not aware of, or had changed within your heart. So he signed a paper. So what? Under what conditions? Under what pretenses was he told in order for him to sign something? Do you personally know the details of it all? The wherewithal and what-nots? I doubt that. You are basing your entire argument on reports from well-known flawed sources; which, at your whim, suddenly become the iron-clad truth when it suits you. I am basing my argument on the nature of human beings and what we all know to be highly plausible situations in this country when it comes to singling out a thorn in one;'s side. Conjecture is where you and I are at, at best. Can you honestly tell me that his accusers and judges, at the time were (and still are) perfect people, living a standard that befits what you describe?

It wouldn't take but one decent lawyer to look into the backgrounds of his accusers and find enough garbage to have the entire case thrown out. But the law would not protect such a person because poor people make the headlines in murder cases, rich people do not. Hopefully, the newly elected PM will sort out this problem, and in so doing, allow for an even playing field with objective parties and others to be held in leash. WIll she apply a bit of nepotism? Probably. Would you to your family member? I don't know, but I certainly would sort out the past and grant favoritism to an individual whereas it could conceivably be proven that he was in the midst of enemies and powers whose reason for being in office are held in question.

No matter what this man does, you will always find a dark lining to the cloud, simply because you were courageous enough to admit that you hate him. In retrospect, Mr. Thaksin has more than paid the price for charges and convictions against him. He has lost vast sums of money to the Thai government; none of which can be accounted for going directly to the people. he has had his character and his family's character assassinated int eh media, and in Human Rights commissions, who themselves have no right to speak, when they turn a blind eye to the obvious. The UN? Forget the UN. A bunch of gutless wonders in my view.

Point being: The law, that was, declared Thaksin guilty. The law that follows has the right, by law, to investigate and, if deemed necessary, to exonerate him from the convictions. The law that you describe is a law that will be in effect until such a time that it is used to exonerate him.

Second point: I feel that it is not necessary, nor practical for the good of the people of Thailand, to focus on incriminating a man for things he did, under whatever premises or guises or reasons, that all of his peers, subordinates and superiors could also be incriminated of were the time and effort taken as was with Thaksin. What is too much? Does that mean it's OK as long as you don't go too far? And how is that representative of the people's needs? From the traffic cop who takes a bribe, or operates a road block illegally, without an officer present, and engages the assistance of non-officer volunteers, and all the way to the top, where a former PM recently condoned or ordered the shootings of people at a certain protest in a certain city; it really makes no sense to go over the wall on Thaksin.

Did this man help the poor, and make their way of life and well being a little bit better? yes!

In times of great trouble and duress to nations, lesser people than Thaksin have been commissioned to help fight the effort of preserving a nations health and wealth. Criminals have been allowed to fight in wars. Traitors and enemies have been granted immunity in exchange for valuable information and knowledge.

So he is apparently guilty of doing something that did not harm any poor people, or middle class people, except to anger those who perhaps are jealous, or who secretly hate him. The article about graft suggests that most Thai people do not care about these issues where they are not concerned, and that the people are more concerned about someone who produces results. A brief research of Mr. Thaksin will show that he did indeed produce positive and favorable results for many Thais, who would otherwise be forgotten, as this recent administration did.

So, whether or not he fiddled with other rich people's money, I don't give a hoot. So does every other rich politician and corporate mogul (AIG, ENRON, Savings and Loan Bailout, and so forth and so on). Look at your own countries? Who is responsible for the mess they are in? It's a pot-Kettle-Black situation we are in, and playing mambly pamply with it will do more damage than give positive results.

We'll see anyways, won't we. And then the suspense will be gone.

[hellodolly]

Just my opinion, but I presume he is referring to myself and every other Thai person, the majority that is, who DID NOT vote Pheu Thai. I respect those who voted for them, and they won by a significant margin, but that does not mean that the actual majority of voters in this country did indeed vote for Thaksin. We are also Thai and our opinion also matters. Coups are indeed morally and ethically wrong, as were the shenanigans of Thaksin Shinawatra and his clan. Two wrongs does not make a right. We are now in opposition and our job is to question the government, or do you think that we should all just roll over and let them do whatever they want to do? Come on, this is democracy. When you were in opposition you had every right to criticise and question the government, do we not get the right to do the same? I am getting quite tired of the farang on this forum who declare that the Thais have voted and everyone should shut up. Yes we voted, they won, and we will still question their behaviour if we deem it unfit. Fair nuff?

I for one say absolutely fair enough. I wish you all the best. I hope you do not hurt any people in the process of protesting, though. Good for you for sticking up for your rights.

You are a little confused it is the red shirtPT colition that hurt people in their protest.

I was not here when Thaksin ruled. I have however heard much about him what he had done for the poor. My question is why are they so hard done by today if he did so much for them?

My mother in law now enjoys a peaceful life she is no longer looking to save a cetong. Thaksin had nothing to do with it. It was and is my joyfully given money that has made this difference in her life.

[Bakseedaa]

<BR>personally can't stand all this Yingluk-bashing - she won the election get over it <IMG class=bbc_emoticon alt= src="http://static.thaivisa.com/forum/public/style_emoticons/default/smile.gif"><BR>

<BR><BR><BR>So far she has won nothing, her political party won the majority of seats, she still has to be elected prime minister by the sitting MPs, what is it said, it ain,t over until the Fat Lady sings.... And why is it when I search Kentucky University year books, I find no trace of this wonderful lady...

[nurofiend]

funny how people here pick on her already, yet not know what she's actually like yet

oh how sour the defeated can be

[maidu]

One thing I have learned following Thai politics. Whenever a Thai politician says something - turn the meaning to the opposite, and you most likely arrive at the truth.

I did not meet with Thaksin (means) I did meet with Thaksin

We did not discuss politics (means) We did discuss politics

Hit the nail on the head. The Shinawatre clan and their friends have been so steeped in lies they don't even know the difference between telling a lie and telling the truth. To them, truth is some silly notion they've been giggling at since babyhood.